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STUDIES 


IN  TH8 


LIFE  OF  CHEIST. 


A  year's   course    of   thirty-five   lessons,    provid- 
ing A  daily  scheme  for  personal  study. 

ADAPTED    ALSO    TO    CLASS-WORK. 


THOMAS  EDDY  TAYLOR, 
S.  EARL  TAYLOR,     CHARLES  HERBERT  MORGAN. 


CINCINNATI:    JENNINGS  &  PYE. 
NEW    YORK:    EATON  &  MAINS. 


COPYRIGHT   1901, 
BY  JENNINGS  &  PYE. 


PREFACE. 


T^HE  authors  desire  to  acknowledge  their  indebtedness 
and  to  offer  their  thanks  to  all  who  have  in  any  way 
contributed  to  these  Studies.  We  are  under  special  obli- 
gations for  helpful  criticisms  and  suggestions  to  Prof. 
D.  A.  Hayes,  of  Garrett  Biblical  Institute;  Prof.  Chas.  F. 
Sitterly,  of  Drew  Theological  Seminary,  and  Prof.  R.  H. 
Walker,  of  the  Ohio  Wesleyan  University.  We  have,  of 
course,  drawn  on  all  available  sources,  and  have  been 
especially  helped  by  Stevens  and  Burton's  "Harmony;" 
"The  Constructive  Life  of  Christ,  "by  Burton  and  Mathews ; 
"  The  Man  Christ  Jesus,"  by  Robert  E.  Speer,  and  "Stud- 
ies in  the  Life  of  Christ,"  by  H.  B.  Sharman. 
Chicago,  September  i,  1901. 


I 


INTRODUCTORY  SUGGESTIONS. 

TO  BE  BEAD  CAREFULLY. 


TN  preparing  these  Studies  an  attempt  has  been  made  to  ^j'^J^^^ 
accomplish  the  following  ends :  studies. 

To  outline  each  period  in  the  life  of  Christ  so  that  one 
may  easily  follow  him  from  Nazareth  to  the  Ascension. 

To  furnish  a  text-book  which  in  itself  covers  in  simple 
narrative  form  the  outline  of  the  life  of  our  Lord. 

To  make  the  Studies  simple  enough  for  those  who  are 
not  accustomed  to  studious  methods,  and  at  the  same 
time  to  furnish  subjects  for  special  investigation  which 
will  provide  a  basis  for  more  advanced  Bible  study. 

To  embody  in  the  narrative  portion  extensive  Scrip- 
ture quotations,  and  after  a  general  interest  has  been 
awakened  in  the  story,  to  send  the  reader  to  the  Scriptures 
themselves  for  verification  through  a  constructive  arrange- 
ment of  the  Gospel  material  with  suggestive  directions  for 
daily  reading. 

To  allow  the  student  to  prepare  a  Harmony  (giving 
full  directions  and  references)  so  that  he  may  see  the 
story  develop  in  the  four  Gospels. 

To  provide  a  daily  scheme  for  study,  such  as  has  made 
the  courses  of  the  Student  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation a  success  from  the  beginning. 

To  insure  accuracy  by  following  the  Scripture  account 
closely,  and  by  consulting  the  best  authorities. 

To  provide  for  the  memorizing  of  portions  of  Scripture 
and  of  the  outline  of  the  life  of  Christ. 

To  provide  a  text-book,  the  cost  of  which  shall  be 
nominal. 

The  final  aim  is  the  mastery  of  the  life  of  Christ  and 
of  the  contents  of  the   four  Gospels.     Nothing  in  the 

5 


Studies  in   the  Life  of  Christ. 


Studies  beyond  the  direct  work  with  the  Gospel  material 
is  strictly  required.  All  else  is  optional. 
'"^"iNoT'  ^  course  of  Bible  study  adapted  to  the  needs  of  our 
*  great  young  people's  organizations  must  necessarily  be 
very  flexible  in  character.  The  young  people's  societies 
are  composed  of  young  and  old,  of  professional  men  and 
women,  of  students,  and  of  those  who  are  just  beginning 
their  intellectual  preparation.  All,  however,  are  equally 
concerned  in  the  question  of  Bible  study  for  personal, 
spiritual  growth.  Realizing,  then,  that  some  will  desire 
to  enter  upon  a  more  extensive  study  than  others,  con- 
siderable work  has  been  assigned  which  may,  from  its 
very  nature,  be  increased  or  diminished  according  to  the 
ability  and  desire  of  the  student.  The  work  of  the  fourth, 
fifth,  and  sixth  days  can  be  extended  almost  indefinitely, 
and  yet  the  beginner  will  find  many  things  of  interest 
which  are  well  within  his  reach.  The  questions  of  the 
fifth  and  sixth  days  will  be  especially  helpful  in  class- 
work,  as  the  various  members  can  bring  in  their  in- 
dependent findings  and  can  verify  in  class  the  doubtful 
questions. 

But  our  most  emphatic  word,  bearing  in  it  the  ac- 
cordant verdict  and  uniform  experience  of  all  who  are 
making  a  vital  study  of  the  Scriptures,  is  that  nothing 
whatsoever  should  come  between  each  student  of  the 
course  and  the  first  reading  and  consideration  of  the 
daily  designated  portion  of  the  Bible  text  itself.  This, 
if  we  so  far  establish  a  standard,  is  our  only  requirement 
of  every  one  who  takes  this  course  of  Studies.  Always, 
and  first  of  all,  read  the  assigned  Gospel  passage  for  the 
day,  and  seek  to  get  from  it  what  God  has  therein  for 
your  own  heart  and  mind.  Even  in  the  few  cases  where 
we  assign  a  somewhat  extended  passage  for  continuous 
reading,  read  at  least  some  part  of  it  as  your  first  work 
with  the  lesson  for  that  day.  The  portion  of  the  lesson 
for  the  third,  fourth,  fifth,  and  sixth  days'  work,  which 
appears  in  smaller  type,  may  be  considered  optional. 


Introductory  Suggestions. 


It  is  suggested  that  in  personal  study  and  in  class-  Map-drawing. 
work  home-made  maps  should  be  used.  Let  no  one  think 
that  this  suggestion  is  for  those  only  who  are  proficient 
in  map-drawing.  It  requires  neither  experience  nor  the 
ability  of  an  artist  to  draw  good  maps  and  charts.  To 
make  the  map-work  most  serviceable,  a  new  one  should 
be  drawn  whenever  it  is  suggested  in  the  lessons. 

First  make  an  outline  map  similar  to  the  one  found  '^**''  Personal 
in  the  front  of  this  book.  This  can  easily  and  quickly 
be  done  by  drawing  six  squares  east  and  west,  and  ten 
squares  north  and  south.  Each  side  of  these  squares  will 
rej)resent  about  twenty  miles.  Now  trace  the  outline 
between  the  respective  squares. 

Next  prepare  half  a  dozen  sheets  of  paper  of  the  size 
you  desire  the  maps,  which  are  to  be  inserted  in  the  Har- 
mony. These  sheets  should  be  on  a  scale  of  ten  by  six 
inches.  By  dividing  or  multiplying  these  numbers  one 
may  make  the  sheets  of  any  desired  size,  but  the  relation 
should  be  as  six  is  to  ten. 

Draw  the  same  number  of  lines  in  the  same  manner 
on  these  pieces  of  paper,  and  draw  the  outline  of  Pales- 
tine. Put  in  at  first  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  the  Jordan  River, 
the  Dead  Sea,  and  Jerusalem.  As  occasion  arises,  draw 
the  boundaries,  etc.,  tracing  in  red  ink  all  journeys  which 
Jesus  makes  in  the  particular  study. 

Maps  should  be  freely  used  in  all  class-work.  These  For  Class 
can  be  drawn  on  the  blackboard;  but  since  they  will 
be  useful  in  review  work,  it  is  suggested  that  they  be 
drawn  on  large  sheets  of  paper.  Common  printers' 
paper  is  always  available,  and  by  the  use  of  crayon, 
which  comes  in  assorted  colors  (black,  red,  and  blue), 
such  maps  can  be  easily  provided.  Five  or  ten  sheets 
of  paper  fastened  together  at  the  top  by  narrow  strips 
of  wood  will  preserve  all  the  maps  for  reference  and 
review  work.  Crayon  can  probably  be  procured  of  your 
local  bookseller  or  druggist. 


study. 


8  Studies   in   the   Life   of  Christ. 

*iviaking  a  This,  when  fairly  tried,  is  one  of  the  most  interesting 
the  Gospels,  features  of  the  study  of  the  life  of  Christ.  First,  secure 
a  notebook  having  good  quality  of  paper,  and  bound  as 
well  as  you  can  afford.  A  ten-cent  book  will  do,  but 
since  you  will  value  it  highly  when  your  work  is  finished, 
procure  a  substantial  book  if  possible.  Second,  purchase 
two  inexpensive  copies  of  the  Eevised  Version  of  the  New 
Testament.  The  nonpareil  32mo  No.  Oil,  from  the  Oxford 
press,  at  ten  cents,  is  the  one  recommended,  as  the  col- 
umn of  print  with  the  marginal  numbers  for  the  verses 
is  less  than  an  inch  and  a  half  in  width,  so  that  four  col- 
umns will  easily  go  on  the  page  of  an  ordinary  school 
notebook. 

The  page  of  the  blank  book  will  need  to  be  wide 
enough  to  admit,  side  by  side,  four  columns  of  the  print 
of  the  Testaments  you  use,  or  if  this  seems  too  wide  a 
page  to  be  desirable,  use  a  blank  book  of  the  right  size 
to  put  two  columns  of  the  Testament  print  on  each  of 
the  two  opposite  pages,  and  treat  these  as  one  page  by 
writing  the  titles  of  parts  and  studies  across  both  pages. 
In  this  case  the  left-hand  page  will  hold  the  columns 
giving  the  Gospel  material  from  Matthew  and  Mark,  and 
the  right-hand  page  those  giving  Luke  and  John.  In 
entering  many  of  the  discourses,  and  even  other  portions 
which  appear  in  only  one  Gospel,  that  particular  section 
can  be  arranged  across  the  whole  page  with  proper  head- 
ing, or  marking,  to  show  to  which  Gospel  it  belongs. 

The  Outline  on  pages  15  and  20  will  give  the  frame- 
work of  the  Harmony;  and  as  you  proceed  through  the 
Studies  each  section  of  the  Outline  is  to  be  transcribed 
into  the  blank  book  containing  your  Harmony.  Each 
part  and  study,  both  properly  numbered,  and  the  Gospel 


*  By  the  term  "  a  Harmony  of  the  Gospels,"  we  do  not  mean  that 
the  Bible  student  is  to  attempt  to  harmonize  or  to  bring  into  agreement 
the  Four  Gospels.  "  It  is  simply  an  arrangement  by  which  the  corre- 
sponding parts  of  different  documents  may  be  brought  together  before 
the  eye  and  compared."  In  other  words,  placing  the  similar  portions 
of  the  Gospels  in  parallel  columns. 


y^^ 


Introductory   Suggestions. 


references  just  as  they  stand  in  the  Outline,  should  first 
be  put  on  the  page,  forming  the  headings  for  the  main 
divisions  of  your  Harmony  and  Life  of  Christ.  Then  cut 
out  from  the  Testaments  and  place  next  to  the  above 
headings  the  exact  sections  of  the  Gospels  covered  by  the 
references,  each  in  its  proper  column.  When  there  is 
more  than  one  section  from  the  same  Gospel  under  one 
Study,  paste  the  several  sections  in  your  Harmony  in 
their  proper  order,  one  below  another;  and  never  fail  to 
write  above  every  section  you  paste  into  the  Harmony  the 
designation  of  the  Gospel,  chapter  or  chapters,  and  verses 
which  follow.  Do  not  get  the  impression,  because  of  these 
careful  directions,  that  this  work  will  prove  difficult.  It 
only  requires  124  separate  sections  to  be  cut  from  the 
Testaments  and  pasted  in  the  blank  books  to  make  the 
complete  Harmony,  which  will  then  include  every  verse 
in  the  Four  Gospels,  with  no  verso  repeated. 

After  each  section  of  the  Harmony  proper  is  made, 
leave  ample  space  for  notes,  answers  to  questions,  etc.,  be- 
fore entering  the  number  and  title  of  the  next  Part  or  Study. 
The  Bible  Study  Department  will  send,  prepaid,  the  Ee- 
vised  New  Testament  Xo.  0200  for  study  for  25  cents,  the 
nonpareil  32mo  No.  Oil  for  10  cents,  or  two  copies  of  No. 
Oil  (for  the  Harmony)  with  one  copy  of  the  No.  0200  for 
40  cents,  or  two  copies  No.  Oil  with  one  copy  of  the  Re- 
vised Bible  No.  0750,  burgeois  8vo,  for  $1.25  post-paid. 

For  many  years  the  students  of  the  colleges  in  all  The  Time  for 

,     ,  ,n    n  1  •  £  ^y•■u^      Bible  Study. 

parts  of  the  world  have  been  pursuing  courses  oi  Bible 
study.  They  have  tried  all  hours  in  the  day,  but  it  is 
the  concensus  of  opinion  that  the  best  hour  in  the  day  is 
the  morning  hour,  before  breakfast,  when  the  soul  can 
spend  the  first  half  hour  of  the  day  alone  with  God  in 
personal,  devotional  Bible  study  and  prayer. 

Mr.  John  R.  Mott,  after  eleven  years  of  experience  what  are  the 
with  students  in  all  parts  of  the  world,  wrote  the  follow-  ^f  Morning 
ing:     "Without  dwelling  at  all  upon  the  general  helpful  Bible  study. 
results  which  come  from  the  devotional  study  of  the  Bible 


lo  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

and  from  communion  with  God,  it  should  be  emphasized 
that  at  the  very  beginning  of  the  day  the  soul  is  in  its 
most  receptive  state.  The  mind  has  been  refreshed  by 
the  rest  of  the  night.  It  is  also  much  less  occupied  than 
it  will  be  at  any  subsequent  hour  of  the  day.  Moreover, 
the  outer  conditions  in  the  early  morning  are  most  favor- 
able. The  first  hour  is  pre-eminently  the  still  hour. 
The  noises  of  yesterday  have  receded,  and  the  din  of 
the  world  of  to-day  has  not  yet  broken  in  upon  us.  It  is 
easier  to  say,  'My  soul,  be  thou  silent  unto  God.'  It  is 
easier  to  heed  the  command,  '  Be  still,  and  know  that  I 
am  God.'  Furthermore,  by  having  secret  prayer  and 
Bible  study  for  spiritual  growth  the  very  first  thing,  we 
may  make  certain  of  them.  By  assigning  these  impor- 
tant exercises  to  a  later  hour  in  the  day  we  multiply  the 
chances  of  their  being  abridged,  interrupted,  or  crowded 
out  entirely.  In  this  connection  we  should  heed  the 
words  of  McCheyne:  'I  ought  to  spend  the  best  hours 
of  every  day  in  communion  with  God.  It  is  my  noblest 
and  most  fruitful  employment,  and  is  not,  therefore,  to 
be  thrust  into  any  corner.'  The  morning  watch  prepares 
us  for  the  day's  conflict  with  the  forces  of  evil  within  us 
and  around  us.  We  do  not  wait  until  the  enemy  is  upon 
us  before  we  gird  on  the  armor  and  grasp  the  sword.  We 
fortify  ourselves  before  any  avenue  is  opened  through 
which  Satan  might  assail  us ;  for  example,  before  reading 
the  morning  paper,  before  entering  into  conversation 
with  others,  before  turning  our  own  thought-currents 
upon  the  plans  and  work  of  the  day.  It  is  always  wise 
to  gain  a  march  upon  the  enemy.  The  keeping  of  the 
morning  watch  is  the  secret  of  largest  and  most  enduring 
achievement  in  life  and  in  service.  Without  doubt  our 
failure  to  prevail  with  man,  and  against  evil  in  the  world 
during  the  day,  is  too  often  due  to  our  more  fundamental 
failure  to  jDrevail  witli  God  at  the  beginning  of  the  day. 
When  Miss  Havergal  was  asked  to  explain  why  the  Church 
does  not  accomplish  more,  she  attributed  it  to  the  fact 


Introductory   Suggestions.  1 1 

that  Christians  are  not  spending  the  first  hour  of  the  day 
alone  with  God.  Let  us  never  forget  the  vital  truth  ex- 
pressed by  Faber  that  'the  supernatural  value  of  our 
actions  depends  upon  the  degree  of  our  union  with  God 
at  the  time  we  do  them.'  Therefore,  if  our  lives  and 
words  and  acts  throughout  the  busy  day  are  to  possess 
supernatural  value,  we  must  take  the  earliest  opportunity 
in  the  day  to  establish  a  vital  and  complete  union  with 
God.  Why  delay  the  forming  of  this  union  a  single 
hour  ?  Why  be  satisfied  with  having  man  alone  work  a 
part  of  the  day  if  the  energy  of  God  may  be  manifested 
all  the  hours  of  the  day  ?" 

Xothing  can  take  the  place  of  private  Bible  study  for  Class  Work. 
personal  spiritual  growth,  when  the  soul  alone  meets  God 
face  to  face,  nor  can  anything  take  the  place  of  united 
study  at  stated  periods,  when  each  member  of  a  class 
adds  his  contribution  to  the  lesson  of  the  week,  and  when 
the  enthusiasm  of  united  effort  quickens  the  heart  of  the 
student. 

It  is  suggested,  therefore,  that  whenever  possible  a 
Bible-study  class  be  organized.  The  organization  may 
be  very  simple  and  the  class  need  not  be  large.  Some 
one  (not  necessarily  the  pastor)  should  be  chosen  leader. 
The  leader  need  not  be  an  authority  on  Bible  study,  but 
must  be  one  who  is  willing  to  lead  in  hard  work.  Special 
helps  to  leaders  of  Bible-study  classes,  and  valuable  sug- 
gestions may  be  had  free  of  charge  by  addressing  the 
Bible  Study  Department,  57  Washington  Street,  Chicago, 
Illinois. 

The  Bible  Study  Department  has  been  organized  to  Bible  study 
answer  questions;  to  facilitate  the  ordering  of  supplies;  •'apartment, 
to  prepare  and  send  out  helps  to  leaders.  All  correspond- 
ence on  Bible  study  should  be  addressed  to  the  Bible 
Study  Department,  57  Washington  Street,  Chicago,  111. 

It  has  been  the  purpose  of  the   authors  to   provide  Books  of  Ref* 
Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ  which  should  be  comj^lete  *•■*"«=«• 
in  themselves,  requiring  little  or  no   outside   help.     In 


12  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

fact,  the  only  book  strictly  needed  for  the  course  is  a  copy 
of  the  Eevised  New  Testament,  or  Bible.  The  first  at  25 
cents,  or  the  second  at  $1.25,  are  in  the  best  form  for 
daily  study.  However,  one  or  two  good  reference  books 
will  greatly  assist  the  student. 

[Except  the  Hastings  Bible  Dictionary  (which  can  be  obtained  only 
from  the  publishers),  all  books  referred  to  in  this  volume  can  be  had  of 
Jennings  &  Pye,  Cincinnati,  Chicago,  Kansas  City;  or,  Eaton  &  Mains, 
New  York.] 

Among  these  are: 

An  Oxford  or  an  International  Teachers'  Bible,  with 
its  extensive  "Helps"  at  the  end  of  the  volume.  Price, 
$1.50  to  $3.50. 

One  or  more  of  the  standard  Lives  of  Christ.  Eefer- 
ences  are  constantly  made  in  this  volume  to  Stalker, 
Andrews,  Farrar,  Edersheim,  Geikie,  Khees,  and  Sanday. 

Stalker  is  the  briefest,  and  in  style  is  luminous  and 
classical.  It  seeks  to  give  a  general  survey  of  the  Life 
of  Christ.     Price,  60  cents,  post-paid. 

Andrews  is  the  most  important  English  contribution 
to  the  difficult  problem  of  determining  the  chronological 
sequence  of  the  events  of  the  Life  of  Christ,  and  also  to 
the  harmonization  of  the  varying  accounts  of  the  Four 
Gospels.  The  book  is  largely  taken  up  with  these  dis- 
cussions.    Price,  $2.50,  post-paid. 

Farrar  is  an  exceedingly  entertaining  series  of  word 
pictures.  It  is  at  the  same  time  the  work  of  an  acknowl- 
edged scholar.  Price,  latest  edition,  $1.50,  post-paid. 
Cheap  edition,  75  cents,  post-paid. 

Edersheim  is  very  full,  and  is  the  richest  of  all  Lives 
of  Christ  in  its  references  to  Jewish  habits  of  thought, 
and  Jewish  manners  and  customs.  Its  type  and  printing 
are  especially  good.     Price,  two  volumes,  $2,  post-paid. 

Geikie  is  written  in  a  flowing  and  picturesque  style, 
and  is  very  full  in  its  treatment  of  New  Testament  times. 
It  is  one  of  the  most  readable  of  all,  but  scholars  are  say- 
ing that  it  is  uncritical  in  its  sifting  of  the  facts.  Price, 
$1,  post-paid. 


Introductory  Suggestions. 13 


Khees's  Life  of  Jesus  is  one  of  the  latest.  It  is  brief, 
compact,  and  clear,  and  on  account  of  its  excellent  refer- 
ences forms  an  excellent  hand-book  for  the  student  who  has 
access  to  a  large  library.  Price,  $1.25  net.  By  mail,$1.35. 
Sanday  will  be  unaccessible  to  most  of  our  readers, 
owing  to  the  fact  that  it  is  hid  away  in  one  of  the  four 
volumes  of  the  new  Hastings  Bible  Dictionary,  but  we  re- 
fer to  it  as  it  is  a  very  great  monograph,  especially  for  the 
young  person  who  is  struggling  with  the  problems  of  mod- 
ern criticism  of  the  Gospel  records.  It  is  remarkably  can- 
did in  its  admissions,  and  at  the  same  time  very  reassuring. 
A  Bible  Dictionary,— the  greatest  is,  of  course,  that 
of  Hastings.  Where  there  is  a  public  library  the  officers 
can  usually  be  persuaded  to  purchase  this  Avork  on  appli- 
cation of  a  class.  (Four  volumes;  price,  $24.)  But  it 
will  be  too  expensive  for  the  average  person,  and  will  be, 
in  some  of  its  articles,  too  technical. 
After  this  we  would  mention : 

The  Illustrated  Bible  Treasury,  by  various  British  and 
foreign  authors.     Price,  $1.50,  post-paid. 

A  Dictionary  of  the  Bible,  by  J.  D.  Davis.  Price,  $2 
net.     By  mail,  S2.30. 

It  need  not  be  added  that  a  Commentary  of  the  right 
sort  is  very  helpful.  The  list  of  these  is  so  large  that  we 
refer  the  student  to  the  circular  of  the  Bible  Study  De- 
partment. 

For  the  study  of  the  geography  of  Palestine,  and  the 
journeys  of  Jesus,  there  is  nothing  better  than  the  Man- 
ual of  Biblical  Geography,  by  Rev.  J.  L.  Hurlbut,  D.  D. 
Price,  $1.50  net.     By  mail,  11.71. 

Many  Young  People's  Societies  now  possess  mission^  Re^e^ence"**'' 
ary  libraries.  Would  it  not  be  an  excellent  idea  to  add  Library. 
to  these  missionary  books  a  Bible  Study  Reference  Li- 
brary, which  would  be  found  invaluable  to  individuals 
and  classes  pursuing  this  or  similar  courses  of  study  ?  A 
circular  suggesting  a  model  Bible  Study  Reference  Li- 
brarv  will  be  furnished  free  of  charge  upon  application 


14  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

to  the  Bible  Study  Department,  57  Washington  street, 
Chicago. 
Writing  a  Life        Comparatively  few  students  will  care  to  attempt  this 
*  task,  but  to  those  who  are  willing  to  take  the  time  we 
make  the  following  suggestions: 

In  writing  a  Life  of  Christ  the  student  should  select 
a  definite  audience  and  propose  to  himself  a  definite  aim. 
In  a  large  class,  all  of  whom  undertook  this  part  of  the 
work,  the  following  were  some  of  the  dedications:  "To 
a  young  college  student  who  honors  Christ  but  does  not 
know  him;"  "To  a  skeptical  friend;"  "To  an  indif- 
ferent friend;"  "To  an  uneducated  man;"  "  To  a  little 
child;"  "To  my  twelve-year-old  brother." 

The  persistent  holding  before  the  mind  of  the  person 
an  object  for  which  you  are  writing,  is  exceedingly  im- 
portant. It  will  give  a  unifying  principle  to  your  work 
and  help  you  in  deciding  the  difficult  question  as  to  what 
you  are  to  omit  and  what  to  elaborate. 

Write  a  chapter  at  the  end  of  each  week,  using  the 
material  covered  in  the  week's  Study.  It  will  not  be  nec- 
essary for  you  to  embody  it  all.  Keep  the  person  for 
whom  you  are  writing  in  mind.  You  are  but  following 
the  example  of  the  evangelists  if  you  omit  whole  sections 
which  do  not  seem  to  serve  your  immediate  purpose. 

Master  the  material  and  then  sit  down  and  write  your 
chapter  as  though  you  were  writing  a  weekly  letter  to 
your  friend.  You  will  soon  be  surprised  at  the  good 
work  you  are  able  to  do.  It  is  important  to  find  an  hour 
for  this  work  when  you  have  as  long  time  as  possible  at 
one  sitting,  as  it  will  probably  take  some  time  to  get  into 
the  writing  mood.  Much  depends  on  the  capacity  to 
''hold  on." 


I 


OUTLINE 

OP 

PARTS,  STUDY  TITLES,  AND  HARMONY 
REFERENCES. 


Introductions,     .     .     .       Luke  i,  1-80;  John  i,  1-18. 
Genealogies,  .     .     .     .  Matt,  i,  1-17;  Luke  iii,  23-38. 


PART  I. 

THE  THIRTY  YEARS  OF  PRIVATE  LIFE. 

From  the  Birth  of  Jesus  until  the  Public  Appearance  of 

John  the  Baptist. 
STUDY. 

1.  From  Nazareth  to  Presentation  in  the  Temple. 

Matt,  i,  18-25;  Luke  ii,  1-39. 

2.  From  Presentation  in  the  Temple  to  Baptism. 

Matt,  ii,  1-23;  Luke  ii,  40-52. 


PART  II. 

OPENING  EVENTS  OF  CHRIST'S  MINISTRY. 

From  the  Public  Appearance  of  John  the  Baptist  until  the 

Public  Appearance  of  Jesus  in  Jerusalem. 
STUDY. 

3.  Baptism  to  Exodus  from  the  Wilderness. 

Matt,    iii,  1 — iv,  11;     Mark  i,    1--13;     Luke 
iii,  1-22;  iv,  1-13;  John  i,  19-28. 

4.  Exodus  from  Wilderness  to  First  Sojourn  in  Caper- 

naum. 

John  i,  29— ii,  12. 
15 


1 6  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

PART  III. 

EARLY  JUDEAN  AND  GALILEAN"  MINISTRY. 

From  the  Public  Appearance  of  Jesus  in  Jerusalem  until 

the  Choosing  of  the  Twelve. 
STUDY. 

5.  At  Jerusalem  —  First  Cleansing   of  Temple — Dis- 

course with  Nicodemus. 

John  ii,  13 — iii,  21. 

6.  Jerusalem  to  Capernaum — Jesus  makes  Disciples  in 

Judea — Discourses  at  Sychar  and  Nazareth. 
Matt,  iv,  12-17;  Marki,  14, 15;  Lukeiv,  14-31; 
John  iii,  22 — iv,  54. 

7.  Call  of  the  Four  to  first  Preaching  Tour  in  Galilee. 

Matt,  iv,  18-22;    viii,  14-17;    viii,  2-4;    Mark 
i,  16-45;  Luke  v,  1-16;  iv,  32-44. 

8.  At  Capernaum — Paralytic  Cured — Matthew  Called. 

Matt,  ix,  2-17 ;  Mark  ii,  1-22 ;  Luke  v,  17-39. 

9.  Works  of  Mercy  and  Necessity  on  the  Sabbath. 

Matt,  xii,  1-14;  Mark  ii,  23 — iii,  6;  Luke  vi, 
1-11;  John  V,  1-47. 


PART  IV. 

SECOND   PERIOD  OF  GALILEAN  MINISTRY. 

From  the  Choosing  of  the  Tivelve  until  the  Withdrawal  into 

Northern  Galilee. 
STUDY. 

10.  Twelve  Apostles  Chosen — Sermon  on  the  Mount. 

Matt,  iv,  23-25 ;  xii,  15-21 ;    v,  vi,  vii — viii,  1. 
Mark  iii,  7-19 ;  Luke  vi,  12-49. 

11.  Capernaum  to  Nain — John  the  Baptist's  Last  Mes- 

Matt.  viii,i5-13;  xi,  2-19;  Luke  vii,  1-35. 


General   Outline.  17 

13.  At  Capernaum — Sinful  Woman  Forgiven — Scribes 
and  Pharisees  Warned. 

Matt,  xii,  22-45;  Mark  iii,  20-30;  Luke  vii,  36 
— viii,  3;  xi,  14-36. 

13.  At   Capernaum — True  Kindred   of   Christ — Begin- 

ning of  Parables. 

Matt,   xii,  46 — xiii,    53;  Mark  iii,  31 — iv,   34; 
Luke  viii,  4-21. 

14.  Visit    to    Gergesa  —  Tempest    Stilled  —  Demoniacs 

Cured. 

Matt,  viii,  18,  23-34;  Mark  iv,  35— v,  20;  Luke 
viii,  22-39. 

15.  At  Capernaum — Jairus'  Daughter  Eaised — Woman 

and  Three  Men  Healed. 

Matt,  ix,  1,  18-34;  Mark  v,  21-43;  Luke  viii, 
40-56. 

16.  Visit  to  Nazareth  and  Southwestern  Galilee — Mis- 

sion of  the  Twelve — Death  of  John  the  Baptist. 
Matt,    xiii,   54-58;    ix,    35— xi,    1;    xiv,  1-12; 
Mark  vi,  1-29 ;  Luke  ix,  1-9. 

17.  Christ  Feeds  Five  Thousand — Walks  on  the  Water- 

Discourses  on  Bread  and  Eating. 

Matt,  xiv,  13— XV,  20;    Mark  vi,   30— vii,  23; 
Luke  ix,  10-17;  John  vi,  1-71. 


PART  V. 

THIED  PERIOD  OF  GALILEAN  MINISTRY. 

From  the    Withdrawal  into   Northern    Galilee   until   the 

Final  Departure  for  Jerusalem. 
STUDY. 

18.  Withdrawal  into  Northern  Galilee,  and  Return   to 
Decapolis. 

Matt.  XV,  21-31 ;  Mark  vii,  24-37. 


1 8  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

19.  Four  Thousand  Fed — Growing  Opposition — Peter's 

Confession. 

Matt.    XV,  32 — ^xvi,    28;  Mark   viii,    1 — ix,    1; 
Luke  ix,  22-27. 

20.  Christ  Transfigured — Cures  Demoniac  Boy — Again 

Foretells  His  Death  and  Kesurrection. 

Matt,   xvii,   1-23;    Mark  ix,   2-32;    Luke   ix, 
28-45. 

21.  Temple  Tax  Paid  at  Capernaum — Discourse  on  Hu- 

mility and  Forgiveness. 

Matt,  xvii,  24 — xviii,  35;  Mark  ix,  33-50;  Luke 
ix,  46-50. 

22.  At  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles — Discourses  on  Light 

and  Freedom. 

John  vii,  1 — viii,  59. 


PART  VI. 

THE  PEREAN  MINISTRY. 

From  the  Final  Departure  from  Galilee  until  the  Final 

Arrival  at  Jerusalem. 
STUDY. 

23.  From  Final  Departure  from  Galilee  to  Attendance 

at  Feast  of  Dedication. 

Matt,  xix,  1,  2;  viii,  19-22;  xi,  20-30;  Mark 
X,  1 ;  Luke  ix,  51 — x,  42 ;  John  ix,  1 — x,42. 

24.  Teachings,  Parables,  and  Miracles  in  Perea. 

Luke  xi,  1-13 ;  xi,  37— xvii,  10. 

25.  Lazarus  Raised  at  Bethany — Withdrawal  to  Ephraim. 

John  xi,  1-54. 

26.  Teachings,  Parables,  and  Miracles  in  Final  Journey 

to  Jerusalem — Anointing  at  Bethany. 

Matt,  xix,  3 — XX,  34;  xxvi,  6-13;  Mark  x,  2-52; 
xiv,  3-9;  Luke  xvii,  11 — xix,  28;  John  xi,  55 — 
xii,  11. 


General   Outline.  19 


PART  VII. 

THE  PASSION  WEEK. 
From  the  Final  Arrival  at  Jerusalem  until  the  Resur- 
rection. 
STUDY. 

27.  Sunday. — A  Day  of  Triumph. 

Matt,  xxi,  1-11;  Mark  xi,  1-11;  Luke  xix, 
29-44;  Johnxii,  12-19. 

28.  Monday. — A  Day  of  Authority. 

Matt,  xxi,  12-19;  Mark  xi,  12-19;  Luke  xix, 
45-48. 

29.  Tuesday.— A  Day  of  Conflict. 

Matt,  xxi,  20 — xxv,  46;  Mark  xi,  20 — xiii,  37; 
Luke  XX,  1 — xxi,  38;  John  xii,  20-50. 

30.  Wednesday. — A  Day  of  Eetirement. 

Matt,  xxvi,  1-5,  14-16;  Mark  xiv,  1,  2,  10,  11; 
Luke  xxii,  1-6. 

31.  Thursday. — The  Last  Day  with  the  Disciples. 

Matt,  xxvi,  17-46;  Mark  xiv,  12-42;  Luke 
xxii,  7-46 ;  John  xiii,  1 — xviii,  1. 

32.  Friday.— The  Day  of  Suffering. 

Matt,  xxvi,  47 — xxvii,  61 ;  Mark  xiv,  43 — xv, 
47;  Luke  xxii,  47 — xxiii,  56;  John  xviii,  2 — 
xix,  42. 

33.  Saturday.— The  Day  in  the  Tomb. 

Matt,  xxvii,  62-66. 


PART  Vlli. 

THE  FOETY  DAYS. 

From  the  Resiwrection  until  the  Ascension. 

STUDY. 

34.   Sunday  Morning. — The  Eesurrection. 

Matt,  xxviii,  1-8;  Mark  xvi,  1-8;  Luke   xxiv, 
1-12 ;  John  xx,  1-10. 


20  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

35.   Appearances — Final  Commission — Ascension. 

Matt,  xxviii,  9-20 ;  Mark  xvi,  9-20 ;  Luke  xxiv, 
13-53;  John  xx,  11 — xxi,  25;  Acts  i,  1-9; 
1  Cor.  XV,  5-8. 

ABBREVIATIONS. 


In  the  references,  "Hast.  Bib.  Diet."  means  the  Dic- 
tionary of  the  Bible  by  James  Hastings. 

"  Bib.  Diet."  with  the  word  Hastings  omitted,  means 
any  good  Bible  dictionary. 

"Hist.  Geo.  H.  L."  stands  for  the  Historical  Geog- 
raphy of  the  Holy  Land,  by  George  Adam  Smith. 

"Edersheim  I,"  and  "  Geikie  I,"  mean  Edersheim  or 
Geikie,  Volume  I.  Eeferences,  therefore,  are  to  the  two- 
volume  books. 


PART  I. 
THE  THIETY  YEAES  OF  PRIVATE  LIFE. 


FIRST   'WEEK. 


FROM  NAZARETH  TO  PRESENTATION  IN 
THE  TEMPLE. 


STUDY  I.— First  Day. 

Augustus  Caesar  was  on  the  throne   of   the   Roman  i°""*J\^?' 

o  Tribal  City. 

Empire.  He  was  at  the  zenith  of  his  power.  All  na- 
tions and  kingdoms  were  submissive  to  his  sway.  It 
was  Rome's  golden  age.  Proud  of  his  scepter,  nothing 
delighted  Augustus  so  much  as  to  number  his  subjects 
and  to  gather  his  revenues.  We  are  not  surprised,  then, 
to  read  in  St.  Luke's  Gospel  that  the  Emperor  had 
issued  an  edict,  "that  all  the  world  should  be  enrolled," 
which  means  that  a  census  was  ordered,  which  should 
serve  as  a  basis  for  future  taxation.*  Among  the  Jews 
this  census  was  to  be  taken,  not  at  the  place  where 
the  people  resided,  but  in  the  city  or  town  of  their 
original  tribe.  For  this  reason  many  persons  took  long 
journeys  from  their  homes  to  their  tribal  city.  Of  this 
number  the  Gospel  narrative  portrays  especially  two  lowly 


*  Edershelm  1, 182;  Hagt.  Bib.  Diet.  II,  645,  646. 
21 


22  Studies  in   the   Life   of  Christ. 

individujils — Josej)h,  a  carpenter  of  the  city  of  Nazareth, 
and  Mary,  his  espoused  wife.  It  was  to  the  royal  town 
of  Bethlehem,  the  home  of  their  great  ancestors,  Boaz, 
Ruth,  and  David,  that  they  must  travel.  The  distance 
was  about  eighty  miles,  the  road  rugged  and  difficult, 
and  yet  not  altogether  without  interest.  They  probably 
passed  through  Jezreel,  once  Ahab's  capital,  just  east  of 
which  Saul  perished,  and  through  the  Valley  of  Baca,  of 
which  the  Psalmist  sung.  As  they  approached  the  city 
of  their  fathers,  they  would  pause  at  the  spot  sacred  to 
Jewish  memory,  the  place  where  Jacob's  first  love,  Eachael, 
died,  and  was  buried.  Whether  they  had  met  with  any 
delay,  other  than  that  arising  from  the  condition  of  Mary, 
we  know  not,  but,  at  last  reaching  Bethlehem,  they  found 
the  town  filled  with  people,  and  all  favorable  quarters 
occupied.  With  no  comfortable  room  available  in  the 
home  of  a  friend  or  in  an  inn,  they  turned  to  the  inn- 
yard  or  court,  which  was  half  kitchen,  half  stable,  and 
there  these  weary  travelers  lodged. 
jeausBorn.  Probably  that  very  night,  Mary  "brought  forth  her 
firstborn  son,"  and,  because  no  conveniences  were  at 
hand,  he  was  "wrapped  in  swaddling  clothes  and  laid  in 
a  manger." 

The  first  announcement  of  Christ's  birth  was  made 
to  simple  and  devout  shepherds,  who  were  guarding,  on 
the  neighboring  hillsides,  flocks  perhaps  destined  for 
sacrificial  services.  To  them  an  angel  appeared,  saying; 
"There  is  born  to  you  this  day  in  the  city  of  David 
a  Savior,  which  is  Christ  the  Lord.  And  this  is  the 
sign  unto  you ;  Ye  shall  find  a  babe  wrapped  in  swaddling 
clothes,  and  lying  in  a  manger.      And  suddenly  there 


The  Thirty  Years   of  Private   Life.       23 

was  with  the  angel  a  multitude  of  the  heavenly  host 
praising  God,  and  saying,  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest, 
and  on  earth  peace  among  men  in  whom  he  is  well 
pleased." 

If  by  supernatural  means  Messiah's  birth  was  thus  Kll^wlTto  ^ 
made  known  to  humble   peasants,  we   can  believe  that  Shepherds 

and  IMagl. 

God  might  also  disclose  the  coming  advent  to  the  Magi — 
devout  men  from  the  east,  teachers  of  religion  and 
science* — and  that  they  should  already  have  started  on 
their  long  journey  to  his  cradle. 

On  the  eighth  day  the  babe  was  circumcised,  and  the  3^,"^  p'J^^'^n" 
name  Jesus  was  given  him  according  to  angelic  direction,  tation. 
From  Bethlehem,  when  the  days  of  the  mother's  purifica- 
tion were  ended,  Joseph  and  Mary  went  to  Jerusalem,  to 
present  the  child  unto  God  in  the  temple,  and  offer  two 
turtle  doves,  the  appointed  sacrifice  of  the  poor. 


We  have  need  of  patience  after  we  have  studied 
the  Word  of  God,  that  we  may  inherit  its  treasures. 


STUDY  I.— Second  Day. 

Eead  Luke  ii,  1-39,  and  write  in  the  Harmony  the 
names  for  Christ  found  therein.  (Reserve  the  first  pages 
of  the  note-book  in  which  to  enter  the  beginning  of  the 
Harmony  proper,  according  to  the  directions  given  below 
at  the  close  of  the  Third  Day.) 

STUDY  I.— Third  Day. 

Read  Matt,  i,  18-25.  See  that  Matthew  makes  prom- 
inent the  experiences  of  Joseph;  Luke,  those  of  Mary. 


*  Meyer  on  Matthew  11, 1 ;  Bib.  Diet.,  art.  "  Magi." 


24  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Suggestions    for    Map    Work    and    References    for    the 

Harmony. 

Draw  a  simple  outline  map  of  Palestine ;  locate  thereon 
Nazareth,  Bethlehem,  and  Jerusalem,  and  mark  the  course  of 
the  infant  Christ  from  Bethlehem  to  Jerusalem.  (See  direc- 
tions for  "  Map  Drawing,"  page  7.) 

Begin  making  Harmony  by  entering  in  the  blank  book  the 
main  title.  Harmony  of  the  Gospels  and  Life  of  Christ,  followed 
by  Introductions,  Luke  i,  1-80;  John  i,  1-18;  Genealogies,  Matt. 
i,  1-17;  Luke  iii,  23-38.  Part  I.— The  Thirty  Years  of  Private 
Life. — From  the  Birth  of  Jesus  Until  the  Public  Appearance  of 
John  the  Baptist.  Study  I. — From  Nazareth  to  Presentation 
in  the  Temple,  Matt,  i,  18-25 ;  Luke  ii,  1-39.  (See  directions  for 
"  Making  a  Harmony,"  pp.  8  and  9.) 

STUDY  I.— Fourth  Day. 

Eead  continuously,  that  is,  at  one  reading,  Luke  i, 
1-80,  and  note  especially  the  lyric  beauty  and  delicate 
reserve  of  this,  the  longest  chapter  in  the  Hew  Testa- 
ment. 

General  References. 

For  further  and  very  full  information  bearing  on  this  early 
period  of  Christ's  life,  consult  Edersheim,  Vol.  I,  pp.  133-159, 
180-201 ;  Geikie,  Vol.  I,  pp.  78-128;  Stalker,  pp.  11-15;  Andrews, 
pp.  1-93 ;  Farrar,  pp.  1-12 ;  Ehees,  pp.  58-63. 

STUDY  I.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  Luke  i,  1-4,  which,  in  Luke's  introductory 
chapter,  forms  the  preface  of  his  Gospel,  and  then  write 
in  the  Harmony,  in  your  own  language,  the  reasons  he 
gives  for  writing  this  Gospel. 

Topics  For  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Olass-work. 

1.  The  far-reaching  effects  of  Christ's  coming  in  the  flesh. 
John  i,  14;  Luke  ii,  34,  35;  John  i,  51;  vi,  51;  xvii,  1-8. 


The  Thirty  Years  of  Private  Life.       25 

2.  Roman  Taxation.  See  Bib.  Diet.,  art.  "Taxes;"  Mat- 
thews' New  Testament  Times,  p.  140;  Edersheim,  Vol.  I,  515; 
Geikie,  I,  279-283;  Rhees,  sec.  5. 

3.  Manner  of  travel  in  the  time  of  Christ. 

4.  Ancient  Rolls  and  Books.  See  Oxford  Bible  Helps ;  Bib. 
Diet. 

STUDY  I.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  John  i,  1-18,  which  introductory  passage  is 
called  the  prologue  of  John's  Gospel,  and  write  in  the 
Harmony  what  Christ  is  called  therein. 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  What  countries  did  Rome  govern?  See  Bib.  Diet., 
"  Rome  ;  "  Oxford  Bible ;  Geikie,  I,  chap.  iii. 

2.  What  was  the  significance  of  the  Jewish  betrothal?  See 
Bib.  Diet.,  "  Marriage  ;  "  Edersheim,  I,  149,  354. 

3.  What  was  meant  by  the  presentation  of  a  Jewish  child 
in  the  temple?  See  Edersheim,  I,  193,  194;  Farrar,  10;  Geikie, 
I,  130,  131. 

4.  What  sum  of  money  would  redeem  such  a  child  ?  See 
Edersheim,  I,  193,  194. 

5.  Why  did  Joseph  and  Mary  offer  a  pair  of  turtle  doves  ? 
What  other  sacriflee  could  they  have  offered?  See  Edersheim, 
I,  196. 

6.  Give  a  few  facts  about  (a)  Bethlehem,  (b)  Jerusalem. 
See  Bib.  Diet. 

7.  Who  were  the  Magi  ?  Andrews,  93f. ;  Edersheim,  I, 
202-208;  Farrar,  chap.  iii. 

STUDY  I.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  John  i,  12,  13. 

Review  what  you  have  learned  about  Christ  during 
week. 


26  Studies   in   the   Life   of  Christ. 

Personal  Thought. 

"  He  was  in  the  world,  .  .  .  and  the  world  knew 
him  not." 

"He  came  unto  his  own  and  they  that  were  his  own 
received  him  not." 

Have  I  failed  to  recognize  Christ;  or,  having  recog- 
nized him,  do  I  fail  to  acknowledge  that  he  has  a  rightful 
claim  to  my  whole  life  ? 

Read  Rom.  xiii,  11-14. 


PART   I.— SECOND  WEEK. 

FROM  PRESENTATION  IN  THE  TEMPLE 
TO  BAPTISM. 


STUDY  II.— First  Day. 

nn    in    tliA    t.Anrnlp     it.    la    HiTnnnaprl 

Bethlehem. 


After  the  presentation  in  the  temple,  it  is  supposed  ''^*'"'"*o 


that  Joseph  and  Mary  returned,  with  the  infant  Jesus, 
to  Bethlehem.  Luke  ii,  39,  evidently  omits  the  events 
intervening  between  the  presentation  and  the  final  res- 
idence at  Nazareth,  which  are  now  related. 

The  wise   men,   arriving  at   Jerusalem,    inquired   of  ^agi  Arrive  at 
,  ,  .  -rr  Jerusalem. 

Herod,  "Where  is  he  that  is  born  King  of  the  Jews? 

for  we  saw  his  star  in  the  east,  and  are  come  to  worship 
him."  These  words  were  most  startling,  and  the  king 
"was  troubled,  and  all  Jerusalem  with  him."  "King  of 
the  Jews!  King  of  the  Jews!"  he  said  to  himself,  "Am 
I  not  King  of  the  Jews  ?  Am  I  not  appointed  by  Ctesar 
Augustus,  to  be  King  of  the  Jews?"  Moved  by  appre 
hension  and  jealousy,  he  hastily  called  together  the  chief 
priests  and  scribes,  that  he  might  inquire  where  this 
King  was  to  be  born.  They  replied,  "  In  Bethlehem  of 
Judea."  Then  he  called  the  wise  men,  and  inquired 
carefully  as  to  their  report  concerning  the  star.  Forth- 
with he  sent  them  to  Bethlehem,  and  charged  them  that 
when  they  should  find  the  child,  they  were  to  return, 
and  let  him  know,  saying,  "  I  too  wish  to  worship  him." 

The  wise  men  now  continued  on  their  way,  "and  lo, 
27 


28 


Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 


Flight  into 
Egypt. 


Herod  Impa- 
tient. 


Find  and  wor-  the  star,  "which  they  saw  in  the  east,  went  before  them, 
till  it  came  and  stood  over  where  the  young  child  was." 
Finding  the  babe,  they  worshiped  him,  and  presented 
him  with  gold  and  sweet  spices.  Then,  "being  warned 
of  God  in  a  dream  that  they  should  not  return  to  Herod, 
they  departed  into  their  own  country  another  way." 

At  the  same  time  God  said  to  Joseph,  "Arise  and 
take  the  young  child  and  his  mother,  and  flee  into 
Egypt."  This  entailed  a  journey  of  more  than  three 
hundred  miles,  to  the  land  which,  for  many  years,  was 
the  home  of  Joseph,  Moses,  and  Aaron. 

While  Joseph  and  Mary  were  journeying,  Herod  was 
growing  impatient  because  the  wise  men  had  not  re- 
turned to  tell  him  about  the  child.  When  he  became 
persuaded  that  they  would  not  return,  and  that  his  plans 
were  frustrated,  he  decreed  the  death  of  every  male  child 
in  Bethlehem  under  two  years  of  age.  As  the  King's 
soldiers  passed  from  house  to  house,  gathering  up  the 
infant  children,  a  wail  went  up  from  many  homes,  and 
there  was  "weeping  and  great  mourning."  How  could 
Herod  be  so  cruel  ?  This  was  not  his  first  act  of  slaugh- 
ter. Three  of  his  own  children  suffered  death  at  his 
hands,  and  had  not  God  smitten  him,  all  would  have 
been  murdered. 

Within  a  few  months  of  the  Savior's  birth,  Herod 
died,  and  Archelaus,  the  most  tyrannical  and  self-willed 
of  his  sons,  reigned  in  his  stead.  God  now  called  Joseph 
and  Mary  out  of  Egypt.  But  where  should  they  go,  and 
in  what  place  should  they  reside  ?  They  seem  to  have 
started  back  to  Bethlehem,  which  they  would  probably 
have  made  their  home;  but  as  they  journeyed,  they 
learned  that  Archelaus  was  not  less  to  be  dreaded  than 


Herod  Dies. 


Return  from 
Egypt. 


The  Thirty  Years  of  Private   Life.      29 

his  father,  and,  being  warned  of  God  in  a  dream,  tliey 
turned  aside  and  went  to  Nazareth. 

Concerning  the  childhood  of  Jesus,  little  is  known.  Childhood  of 

Jesus. 

Luke  says,    "The  child  grew,  and  waxed  strong,  filled 
with  wisdom:  and  the  grace  of  God  was  upon  him." 

One  important  event  is  mentioned,  his  visit  to  Jeru-  ''lem'^t  A^e^ ' 
salem  at  the  age  of  twelve,  or  more  accurately  in  his  of  Twelve. 
thirteenth  year.  This  was  a  most  important  event  in 
a  Jewish  boy's  life.*  He  was  no  longer  to  be  regarded  as 
a  boy,  but  as  a  man.  He  must  now  begin  to  learn  a 
trade.  He  could  now  for  the  first  time  have  a  part  in 
the  temple  service,  and  was  responsible  for  his  attendance 
at  the  Feasts.  After  the  festivities  of  Jesus'  first  Pass- 
over had  been  concluded,  the  families  collected  in  com- 
panies for  the  homeward  journey.  The  men  usually 
walked  together,  as  did  also  the  women,  often  in  great 
numbers.  Going  northward  toward  Galilee  with  their 
company,  Joseph  and  Mary  had  traveled  a  day's  journey, 
when  they  found  that  their  son  Jesus  was  missing.  The 
mother  thought  that  he  was  with  the  father,  and  the 
father  supposed  him  to  be  with  the  mother  or  with  other 
relatives,  and  now  to  their  astonishment  they  learned 
that  the  child  was  still  in  the  city.  Retracing  their 
steps,  they  found  the  lad  in  the  temple  with  the  doctors 
or  teachers,  "both  hearing  them  and  asking  them  ques- 
tions;" and  when  his  mother  said  unto  him,  "Son,  why 
hast  thou  thus  dealt  with  us?  behold,  thy  father  and 
I  sought  thee  sorrowing,"  he  replied,  ""Wist  ye  not  that 
I  must  be  in  my  Father's  house  ?" 

Jesus  returned  to  Nazareth,  obedient  and  loyal  to  tlie  Return  to 

Nazareth. 

home  life,  and  "advanced  in  wisdom  and  stature,  and  in 
*  Farrar,  85. 


30         Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

favor  with  God  and  man."  It  is  supposed  that  he  learned 
and  worked  at  the  carpenter's  trade,  and  that,  during  the 
years  before  his  baptism,  Joseph  died,  and  he  assumed 
the  support  of  the  family.* 


"Twenty-five  minutes  spent  in  a  workmanlike 
attempt  to  master  the  Scriptural  facts  of  a  lesson, 
will  often  prepare  for  a  greater  emotional  uplift  in 
the  last  five  minutes  than  could  have  come  to  you 
if  you  had  spent  all  the  time  in  saying,  *  Now  let  us 
be  devotional.'  "—Prof.  W.  W.  White. 


STUDY  II.— Second  Day. 

Read  Matt,  ii,  1-23,  and  write  in  the  Harmony  the 
phrases  which  show  that  Matthew  presents  the  kingly 
side  of  Christ's  life. 

STUDY  II.— Third  Day. 

Eead  Luke  ii,  40-52,  and  note  the  many  words  which 
show  that  Luke  gives  the  homelike,  human  side  of 
Christ's  life. 

Suggestions    for    Map    "Work    and    References   for   the 
Harmony. 

Mark  on  map  the  course  of  the  parents  and  Jesus  from 
Jerusalem  to  Bethlehem,  Egypt,  Nazareth,  and  to  Jerusalem 
and  return. 

Harmony— Study  II.  From  Presentation  in  the  Temple  to 
Baptism.    Matt,  ii,  1-23;  Luke  ii,  40-52. 


♦Andrews,  120. 


The  Thirty  Years  of  Private  Life.        31 

STUDY  II.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  ii,  1-23;  Luke  ii,  40-52.  Some  have 
thought  that  the  first  has  more  in  view  Israel,  the  second 
the  human  race.  See  if  you  can  discover,  in  the  passages 
read,  any  reasons  for  this  supposition. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  I,  pp.  202-254;  Geikie  I,  pp.  129-329;  Stalker, 
pp.  15-26;  Andrews,  pp.  93-111;  Farrar,  pp.  12-55;  Rhees,  sec. 
63-70. 

STUDY  n.- Fifth  Day. 

Read  the  first  and  last  verses  of  the  genealogies, 
Matt,  i,  1,  17;  Luke  iii,  23,  38,  noting  that  Matthew 
goes  back  to  Abraham,  Luke  to  God;  and  ask  how  this 
bears  on  the  aim  of  the  two  writers. 

Topics  For  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-work. 

1.  The  influence  of  Jesus  in  home  life.  Luke  ii,  40-62; 
John  ii,  1,  2 ;  Mai-k  x,  7-16 ;  Luke  x,  38-42 ;  John  xix,  25-27. 

2.  Status  of  a  Jewish  boy  after  his  twelfth  year.     Farrar,  35. 

3.  Education  of  a  Jewish  boy.  What  schools  were  there? 
Andrews,  llOf. ;  Farrar,  47;  Geikie  I,  pp.  67,  171-173;  Rhees, 
sec.  65. 

STUDY  n.— Sixth  Day. 

What  verse  means  most  to  you  in  the  second  chapter 
of  Matthew  or  Luke  ?     Write  it  in  the  Harmony 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  Name  the  Herods  mentioned  in  the  New  Testament,  and 
give  an  account  of  Herod  the  Great.  Oxford  Bible  ;  Edersheim 
I,  pp.  123-129,  261 ;  Rhees,  sees.  2  and  3. 


32 


Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 


2.  Locate  the  prophecy  as  to  the  place  where  Jesus  was  to 
be  born. 

8.  Write  an  outline  of  what  you  can  learn  of  Nazareth  as 
the  home  of  Jesus  for  thirty  years.  Andrews,  104 ;  Hist.  Geo. 
H.  L.,  432;  Edersheim  I,  144. 

4.  Are  there  any  recorded  miracles  of  Jesus  before  his  pub- 
lic ministry  ? 

5.  What  wei'e  the  current  ideas  of  the  Messiah?  Which  of 
these  was  the  popular  idea?  Edersheim  I,  78-80;  163-165; 
Geikie  I,  79-83;  Matthews'  New  Testament  Times,  159-169; 
Muirhead's  Times  of  Christ,  112-150;  Bib.  Diet.,  "  Messiah." 

STUDY  II.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Matt,  ii,  10,  11. 

From  all  that  you  have  learned,  try  to  picture  the 
life  of  Christ  from  childhood  to  manhood. 

Personal  Thought. 

"Wist  ye  not  that  I  must  be  in  my  Father's  house?" 
Am  I  so  absorbed  in  my  Father's  work  that  I  am  always 
to  be  found  in  the  right  place  ?  Is  my  first  and  most  anx- 
ious thouglit  concerning  the  extension  of  his  kingdom? 

Read  Matt,  vi,  33. 


PART  II. 
OPENINa  EVENTS  OF  CHEIST'S  MINISTRY. 


THIRD   WEEK. 

BAPTISM  TO  EXODUS  FEOM  THE 
WILDERNESS. 


STUDY  III.— First  Day. 

A  stranger  who  at ,  this  time  might  happen  to  be  in  Ministry  ot 
Jerusalem,  or  in  the  general  region  of  Judea  and  the  Baptist, 
Jordan,  would  have  noticed  a  stir  and  movement  among 
the  people.  And  had  he  asked,  "Where  do  they  go?" 
he  would  have  been  told  that  the  multitude — men,  wo- 
men, and  children;  the  poor  and  the  rich;  publicans  and 
soldiers;  Pharisees  and  Sadducees,  were  drawn  forth  to 
hear  a  strange  new  prophet,  whose  name  was  John,  a 
man  somewhat  resembling  Elijah,  long  since  dead.  In- 
stead of  fine  linen  and  gorgeous  robes  he  wore  a  garment 
of  harsh,  rough  camel's  hair,  and  about  his  loins  was  a 
goatskin  girdle.  He  had  grown  to  manhood  "in  the 
deserts,"  probably  the  rocky,  sparsely-inhabited  country 
west  of  the  Dead  Sea,  and  had  fed  on  locusts  and  wild 
honey.  Moreover,  although  a  priest  by  birth,  he  did  not 
go  to  the  temple  or  synagogue  to  proclaim  his  message, 
but  began  preaching  in  the  "  wilderness"  region  where 
he  had  lived,  and  at  the  fords  of  the  Jordan.  His  doc- 
trine was  also  new  and  strange.  And  while  the  Jewish 
ritual  required  numerous  washings  and  purifications, 
John  the  Baptist  did  not  follow  it,  but  introduced  a  new 
symbol,  that  of  water  baptism.*  This  unusual  rite,  and 
the  man's  burning  words,  seem  to  have  aroused  the  whole 


*Gelkle,  Vol.  I,  pp.  874,  388. 
3  33 


34 


Studies  in  the   Life  of  Christ. 


populace.  So  startling  was  it  that  a  new  prophet  should 
appear  after  centuries  of  silence,  and  should  break  away 
from  the  traditions  of  the  synagogue  and  insist  that  all 
must  repent  and  be  baptized,  that  it  awakened  among 
the  common  people  the  deepest  curiosity,  and  among 
the  religious  leaders  the  most  serious  alarm.  It  was  to 
hear  such  a  prophet  that  the  multitudes  flocked  to  the 
Jordan. 
Jesus  Bap-  Q^g  (j^y  while  John  was  declaring,  "There  cometh 
'  after  me  he  that  is  mightier  than  I,  the  latchet  of  whose 
shoes  I  am  not  worthy  to  stoop  down  and  unloose,"  the 
young  man  from  Nazareth  presented  himself  for  baptism. 
John  would  have  hindered  him,  saying:  "I  have  need 
to  be  baptized  of  thee,  and  comest  thou  to  me  ?"  But 
Jesus  answering,  said  unto  him:  "  Suffer  it  now:  for 
thus  it  becometh  us  to  fulfill  all  righteousness."  Having 
baptized  him,  John  saw  the  heavens  open  and  the  Spirit, 
in  the  form  of  a  dove,  descend  and  abide  upon  him,  and 
he  heard  a  voice  saying:  "This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in 
whom  I  am  well  pleased."  We  do  not  know  how  long 
Jesus  remained  about  the  Jordan  listening  to  the  preach- 
ing of  John,  but  doubtless  as  he  heard  John  speak  of 
the  approach  of  the  kingdom  of  God,  his  heart  burned 
within  him  and  he  felt  that  his  life-work  was  about  to 
begin. 
Led  Into  the  From  his  baptism,  probably  at  Bethabara  or  Bethany, 

John's  third  station  on  the  upper  Jordan,  in  southeastern 
Galilee,*  or  across  the  river  in  Perea,  Jesus  was  led  by 
the  Spirit  into  the  wilderness  to  be  tempted  of  the  devil. 
We  can  conceive  that  during  these  forty  days  the  mind  of 
Jesus  was  so  engaged  with  the  emotions  and  ideas  which 
crowded  on  him  that  he  forgot  even  to  eat;f  for  we  read, 
"  He  did  eat  nothing  in  those  days,  and  when  they  were 
completed  He  hungered,"  The  Gospels  record  only  the 
threefold  temptation,  J  which  probably  belongs  to  the  last 


♦Luke  ill,  21;  John  1,  28,  R.  A'.,  and  Edersheim  I,  278-300;  II,  126, 127. 
+  Stalker,  45.     J  Hastings,  Vol.  II,  p.  612. 


opening  Events  of  Christ*s  Ministry.      35 

days  of  our  Lord's  seclusion,  and  represents  the  culmi- 
nation of  Satan's  assaults. 

The  first  temptation  came  at  the  end  of  this  prolonged  •^••'st  Tempta- 
period  of  fasting,  when  Jesus  was  exceedingly  hungry, 
and  the  adversary  suggested,  "  If  thou  art  the  Son  of 
God,  command  that  these  stones  become  bread."  How 
unnecessary  that  you  suffer  thus,  when  by  a  simple  com- 
mand your  physical  need  could  be  met !  Christ's  mirac- 
ulous powers  were  not  for  private  use,  but  for  the  glory 
of  God,  and  he  answered:  "  Man  shall  not  live  by  bread 
alone,  but  by  every  word  that  proceedeth  out  of  the 
mouth  of  God." 

The  second  temptation  was,  that  Christ  should  pre-  Second 
sume  foolishly  on  the  ability  of  his  Father  to  preserve  his  *""*  ^  **"" 
life  in  an  act  which  should  astound  all  beholders  by  its 
sublime  daring.  The  arch  tempter  appears  to  stand  with 
him  on  some  overhanging  pinnacle  of  the  temple,  saying: 
"If  thou  art  the  Son  of  God,  cast  thyself  down:  for  it  is 
written,  He  shall  give  his  angels  charge  concerning  thee : 
and  on  their  hands  they  shall  bear  thee  up."  But  Jesus 
would  not  make  requisition  of  Divine  power  to  subserve 
spiritual  pride  and  personal  honor,  and  replied,  "Thou 
shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord  thy  God." 

The  third  temptation  was  to  universal  temporal  do-  Third  Temp>- 
minion.  The  desert  seems  to  have  become,  as  it  were,  a  '^"*'"' 
great  plain.  Out  of  it  arose  a  high  mountain  from  which 
Jesus  viewed  "  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world,  and  the 
glory  of  them."  Such  dominion  had  been  the  dream  of 
Alexander  and  of  Caesar.  Shall  Christ  accept  the  chal- 
lenge and  become  master  of  Palestine  and  ultimately 
monarch  of  the  world,  as  the  Jews  wished  him  to  be,  by 
methods  of  earthly  force  and  policy  ?  "What  appeal  could 
be  harder  to  resist  ?  But  Satan  spreads  his  subtlest  snare 
in  vain.  Jesus  will  not  yield  to  groveling  ambition.  He 
came  to  "save  his  people  from  their  sins,"  and  he  repels 
the  third  and  last  assault  with  the  decisive  answer,  "Get 
thee  hence,  Satan;  for  it  is  written.  Thou  shalt  worship 


36  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve.  Then 
the  devil  leaveth  him ;  and  behold,  angels  came  and  min- 
istered unto  him." 


"To  go  beneath  the  surface"  would  be  a  good 
resolution  for  this  w^eek.  Fe\v  parts  of  the  Scrip- 
ture better  repay  independent  thought  than  the  por- 
tion assigned. 

STUDY  III.— Second  Day. 

Eead  Mark  i,  1-18,  and  note  the  directness  with  which 
this  Gospel  strikes  into  the  current  of  action.  It  is 
thought  to  have  been  written  specially  for  the  Eomans.* 

Find  and  write  in  the  Harmony  the  place  in  Malachi 
and  Isaiah  from  which  Mark  here  makes  his  only  quota- 
tion from  the  Old  Testament.  Observe  that  he  mentions 
only  one  prophet,  though  he  quotes  from  two. 

STUDY  III.— Third  Day. 

Eead  Luke  iii,  1-18.  Note  that  Luke  quotes  Isaiah 
far  enough  to  include  the  statement  that  "all  flesh  shall 
see  the  salvation  of  God,"  and  that  he  speaks  of  publicans 
and  soldiers  coming  to  John,  while  Matthew  speaks  of 
Pharisees  and  Sadducees.  Consider  carefully  the  differ- 
ence of  language  to  the  publicans  and  soldiers  as  recorded 
by  Luke,  and  to  the  Pharisees  and  Sadducees  as  recorded 
in  Matthew  iii,  7-12. 

Suggestions    for    Map  "Work    and    References    for   the 
Harmony. 

Trace  the  course  of  Jesus  from  Nazareth  to  Bethabara  or 
Bethany,  supposing  this  place  was  in  southeastern  Galilee. 
The  term  "wilderness"  applied  to  that  part  of  the  depressed 
valley  of  the  Jordan. 

Harmony. — Part  II.  Opening  Events  of  Christ's  Ministry. 
— From  the  Public  Appearance  of  John  the  Baptist  until  the 
Public  Appearance  of  Jesus  in  Jerusalem.    Study  III. — Baptism 


*Farrar,  The  Messages  of  the  Books,  p.  18;  but  Saltnond  In  Hast- 
ings' Dictionary  would  say,  "  Written  at  Rome  for  Gentile  readers." 


Opening  Events  of  Christ's  Ministry.      37 


to  Exodus  from  the  Wilderness.     Matt,  iii,  1 — iv,  11;  Mark  i, 
1-13;  Luke  iii,  1-22;  iv,  1-13;  John  i,  19-28. 

STUDY  III.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  iii,  13-17;  Luke  iii,  21,  22,  and  mark 
what  Jesus  did  at  his  baptism,  as  related  by  Luke,  and 
what  followed. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  1,255-307;  Geikie  I,  330-426;  Stalker,  38-47; 
Andrews,  137-155 ;  Farrar,  55-74 ;  Rhees,  sees.  85-96. 

STUDY  III.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  iv,  1-11.  Note  the  weapon  with  which 
Jesus  repelled  temptation. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-work. 

1.  The  character  of  Jesus'  temptations.  Matt,  iv,  1-3,  11; 
Mark  i,  13;  Luke  iv,  1-3,  5,  13;  Heb.  ii,  18;  iv,  15;  John  xiv,  30. 

2.  The  Jordan  Eiver  and  its  valley,  including  the  Sea  of 
Galilee  and  the  Dead  Sea.  Oxford  Bible ;  Bib.  Diet. ;  Hist. 
Geo.  H.  L.,  4G5;  Stanley,  Sinai  and  Palestine,  351. 

3.  Jewish  sects — such  as  Pharisees,  Sadducees,  Essenes. 
Oxford  Bible  ;  Edersheim  I,  310-334 ;  Geikie  II,  223-228 ;  Rhees, 
sees.  8-13. 

4.  "Write  out  your  conclusions  concerning  the  character  of 
Jesus'  temptations.  Heb.  ii,  18;  iv,  15;  Stalker,  45;  Edersheim 
I,  295-307;  Geikie  I,  438-450;  Farrar,  63-74;  Rhees,  sees.  91-94; 
Godet  on  Luke  iv. 

5.  What  similar  temptations  meet  the  Christian  worker  of 
to-day  ? 

STUDY  Ill.-Sixth  Day. 

Read  Luke  iv,  1-13,  and  dwell  on  the  added  knowl- 
edge given  in  first  verse,  respecting  Jesus'  relation  to  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  How  long  did  John  the  Baptist  preach? 

"Why  did  Jesus  present  himself  for  baptism?    "What  does 


38  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

he  mean  by  fulfilling  all  righteousness?    Edersheim  I,  279-280; 
Ehees,  sec.  87;  Hast.  Bib.  Diet.,  "Jesus  Christ;"  II,  611. 

3.  Is  it  probable  that  Jesus  and  John  had  met  before? 

4.  Collect  the  sayings  of  John  about  Jesus  and  observe  the 
unselfish  spirit  of  John.  Bible  Concordance,  under  "John." 
See  also  "The  Last  of  the  Prophets,"  by  Eev.  John  Feather. 

STUDY  in.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Luke  iii,  16.  Consider  deeply  your  need 
of  the  three  essentials  of  power  revealed  in  Christ's  life 
by  the  Bible  reading  for  the  past  three  days.  (Review 
the  references  for  the  fourth,  fifth,  and  sixth  days.) 

Personal  Thought. 

"And  Jesus  was  led  by  the  Spirit  in  the  wilderness 
during  forty  days,  being  tempted  of  the  devil."  "Then 
the  devil  leaveth  him;  and  behold,  angels  ministered 
unto  him." 

Why  pray,  "Lead  us  not  into  temptation?"  Why 
was  Jesus  led  by  the  Spirit  into  the  place  of  special 
temptation  ?  Does  God  ever  lead  one  into  temptation  ? 
Is  it  not  true  that  certain  temptations  are  a  divinely- 
appointed  trial,  and  that  for  such  temptations  we  have 
the  promise  that  God  will  not  suffer  us  to  b*e  tempted 
above  that  we  are  able?  We  do  not  seek  these  tempta- 
tions, but  when  they  come  we  pray,  "Deliver  us  from 
evil." 

There  are  other  temptations  into  which  we  may  vol- 
untarily and  willfully  go,  and  for  these  temptations  there 
is  no  promise.  At  such  times,  "  Let  no  man  say  when  he 
is  tempted,  I  am  tempted  of  God ;  .  .  .  but  each  man  is 
tempted  when  he  is  drawn  away  by  his  own  lust,  and  en- 
ticed." 

How  may  I  resist  temptation?  Read  Eph.  vi,  10-18; 
James  iv,  7 ;  1  Cor.  x,  13. 


PART   II —FOURTH   "WTEEK. 

EXODUS    FROM    THE    AVILDERNESS    TO    FIRST 
SOJOURN  IN  CAPERNAUM. 


STUDY  IV.— First  Day. 

The  forty  days'  temptation  having  ended  in  glorious  Second  visit 

T  1     1      i>    ^       c-i    •    •     T       ^  T-KT  i'°  Bethabara. 

Victory,  Jesus  was  led  of  the  Spirit  back  toward  Nazareth, 
passing  through  Bethabara.  The  forty  days  of  seclusion 
had  an  important  influence  upon  John  the  Baptist  as 
well  as  upon  Jesus.  Many  times  he  must  have  thought 
of  the  demonstration  at  the  baptism  of  Jesus,  of  the 
opening  of  the  heavens,  of  the  Spirit  descending,  of  the 
voice  speaking,  of  the  sudden  disappearance  and  long- 
continued  absence  of  him  whom  he  had  declared  to  be 
the  Christ.  But  now  Jesus  appeared  again  at  Bethabara. 
John  the  Baptist  seeing  him,  said:  "  Behold  the  Lamb  of 
God,  which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world !  This  is  he 
of  whom  I  said,  After  me  cometh  a  man  which  is  become 
before  me:  for  he  was  before  me."  And  John  bare  wit- 
ness, saying:  "I  have  beheld  the  Spirit  descending  as 
a  dove  out  of  heaven;  and  it  abode  upon  him.  And 
I  knew  him  not:  but  he  that  sent  me  to  baptize  with 
water,  he  said  unto  me,  Upon  whomsoever  thou  shalt 
see  the  Spirit  descending,  and  abiding  upon  him,  the 
same  is  he  that  baptizeth  with  the  Holy  Spirit.  And 
I  have  seen,  and  have. borne  witness  that  this  is  the  Son 
of  God." 

The  next  day  John  repeated  his  testimony,  concerning 
39 


40  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

First  Disci-  Christ  as  the  Lamb  of  God,  in  the  presence  of  some  of 

pies  Drawn  to  ^ 

Christ,  his  own  attendants.  Among  those  who  heard  John's 
declaration,  two  were  immediately  drawn  to  be  the  dis- 
ciples of  Jesus.  One  was  Andrew,  a  fisherman  from 
Bethsaida,  on  the  Lake  of  Galilee;  the  other  was  prob- 
ably John  the  evangelist,  a  native  of  the  same  town. 
Just  what  happened  on  this  Sabbath  at  Bethabara,  none 
can  tell.  Jesus  seems  to  have  remained  for  the  day, 
possibly  teaching  or  preaching.  One  thing  seems  cer- 
tain; these  first  two  disciples  were  not  idle.  Andrew 
was  searching  diligently  for  his  own  brother,  Simon 
Peter,  and  brought  him  to  Jesus,  saying,  "We  have 
found  the  Messiah."  When  Jesus  looked  upon  Simon,  he 
saw  in  him  that  of  which  a  true  disciple  could  be  made, 
and  said,  "  Thou  art  Simon,  the  son  of  John:  thou  shalt 
be  called  Cephas  (which  is  by  interpretation,  Peter)." 
The  next  day  Jesus,  with  these  three  disciples,  proceeded 
to  Galilee.  On  the  way,  their  mission  work  was  con- 
tinued, and  another  disciple,  who  was  a  fellow-townsman 
of  Andrew  and  Peter,  was  added  to  their  number.  His 
name  was  Philip.  It  was  to  him  that  Jesus  first  ad- 
dressed the  words,  "Follow  me."  While  we  know  little 
of  Philip's  life,  we  shall  always  be  thankful  that  he  fol- 
lowed Jesus;  for  he  too  became  a  missionary,  and  "  find- 
eth  Nathanael,  and  saith  unto  him,  We  have  found  him, 
of  whom  Moses  in  the  law,  and  the  prophets,  did  write, 
Jesus  of  Nazareth,  the  son  of  Joseph."  Nazareth!  Naz- 
areth! Can  it  be  that  the  Messiah  is  to  come  from 
among  the  despised  Galileans,  and  especially  from  a  town 
so  near  to  Cana  '  as  Nazareth  ?  Nathanael  may  have  so 
thought,  and  he  asked,  "  Can  any  good  thing  come  out 
of  Nazareth?"     Philip  said  unto  him,  "Come  and  see." 


Opening  Events  of  Christ's  Ministry.     41 

Jesus  saw  Nathanael  coming  to  him,  and  said  unto  him, 
"Behold,  an  Israelite  indeed,  in  whom  is  no  guile!" 
This  salutation  was  a  great  surprise  to  Nathanael,  and  he 
asked,  "Whence  knowest  thou  me?  Jesus  answered 
and  said  unto  him.  Before  Philip  called  thee,  when  thou 
wast  under  the  fig-tree,  I  saw  thee.  Nathanael  answered 
him,  Rabbi,  thou  art  the  Son  of  God." 

Jesus,  by  this  time,  had  five  charter  members  of  the  First  visit  to 

Cana. 

Christian  Church,  with  wliom  he  returned  into  Galilee, 
and  made  ready  to  begin  his  public  ministry.  Jesus 
and  his  disciples  doubtless  expected  to  go  to  I^azareth, 
but  whether  they  reached  there  or  not,  the  record  does 
not  show.  If  so,  he  found  his  mother  and  family  absent 
in  Cana,  a  neighboring  village,  about  four  miles  away, 
attending  a  wedding.  Because  of  the  personal  super- 
vision given  by  Mary,  it  has  been  thought  that  the  mar- 
riage was  at  the  house  of  a  relative  or  near  friend  of 
Jesus,  and  that,  as  soon  as  it  was  learned  that  Jesus  was 
in  the  vicinity,  an  invitation  was  extended  to  him  and  to 
his  disciples.  Of  one  thing  we  are  certain,  he  honored 
the  occasion,  not  only  by  his  presence,  but  also  by  per- 
forming his  first  recorded  miracle,  the  turning  of  water 
into  wine.  "This  beginning  of  his  signs  did  Jesus  in 
Cana  of  Galilee,  and  manifested  his  glory;  and  his  dis- 
ciples believed  on  him." 

The  brief  record  is  next  made  in  John's  Gospel,  that.  Sojourn  at 
"After  this  he  went  down  to  Capernaum,  he,  and  his 
mother,  and  his  brethren,  and  his  disciples:  and  there 
they  abode  not  many  days." 


Signalize  this  morning's  work  by  a  thorough  mem- 
orizing of  the  outline  facts  of  the  -week's  lesson. 


42  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  IV.— Second  Day. 

Eead  John  i,  19-28,  in  which  we  may  see  John  the 
Baptist  tempted  by  the  deputation  on  the  same  day  that 
Jesus  was  tempted  by  the  devil.  We  find  this  was 
Thursday,  by  counting  back  from  the  marriage-day 
(John  ii,  1-11),  which,  for  a  maiden,  by  uniform  custom, 
was  Wednesday.* 

STUDY  IV.— Third  Day. 

Read  John  i,  29-34.  "On  the  morrow,"  namely, 
Friday,  John  bears  this  first  testimony  to  "the  Lamb  of 
God." 

Suggestions    for    Map   "Work    and    References   for   the 
Harmony. 

Mark  on  the  map  the  course  of  Christ  from  Bethabara  to 
Oana  and  Capernaum,  and  then  to  Jerusalem  by  the  route  east 
of  the  Jordan. 

Harmony. — Study  IV.  Exodus  from  Wilderness  to  First 
Sojourn  in  Capernaum.     John  i,  29 — ii,  12. 

STUDY  IV.— Fourth  Day. 

Eead  John  i,  35-42.  "Again  on  the  morrow," 
namely,  Saturday,  the  Jewish  Sabbath.  The  other  "one 
of  the  two  that  heard  John  speak,"  verse  forty,  was 
doubtless  John  the  apostle,  the  writer  of  this  Gospel. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  I,  308-364;  Geikie  I,  427-466;  Stalker,  50-52; 
Andrews,  155-165;  Farrar,  75-98;  Ehees,  sees.  97-105. 

STUDY  IV.— Fifth  Day. 

Eead  John  i,  43-51.  "On  the  morrow,"  namely, 
Sunday.  Dwell  on  the  record  of  "personal  evangelism" 
given  yesterday  and  to-day. 


*  Edersheim,  Vol.  I,  pp.  339,  845. 


Opening  Events  of  Christ's  Ministry.      43 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-work. 

1.  The  attractiveness  of  Jesus'  personality.  Luke  ii,  52; 
John  i,  35-49;  Mark  v,  18;  x,  13;  Luke  x,  39;  John  xii,  19-21; 
Luke  xxiv,  28-32. 

2.  Where  did  Nathanael  live,  and  how  far  was  it  from  Naz- 
ai-eth?     John  ii,  1,  2. 

3.  Jewish  wedding.  How  did  a  Judean  and  a  Galilean  wed- 
ding differ?  Oxford  Bible ;  Bib.  Diet.,  "  Marriage ;"  Edersheim 
I,  354,  355 ;  Geikie  I,  472-474. 

4.  The  two  sites  for  Cana  and  Capernaum.  Bib.  Diet. ; 
Andrews,  163,  224;  Edersheim  I,  355,356;  365,366;  Geikie  I, 
471-485. 

STUDY  IV.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  John  ii,  1-12,  '^The  third  day"  from  Sun- 
day, namely,  Wednesday.  This  is  the  first  of  seven 
*' signs"  or  miracles  given  in  the  first  twelve  chapters  of 
John,  revealing  Christ's  "glory,"  and  related  to  the 
ever-present  claim  of  his  Deity.  Go  beneath  all  the  sur- 
face incidents  and  feel  the  sense  of  his  Divine  power 
working  amid  normal,  joyous  life.    What  does  it  teach  us  ? 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  What  language  or  languages  did  Jesus  probably  speak? 
Edersheim  I,  10,  130,  253  top. 

2.  Why  did  Jesus  give  Peter  a  new  name?  Rhees,  sec.  19, 
and  the  commentaries. 

3.  Explain  Nathanael's  sudden  change  of  attitude  toward 
Jesus.     Farrar,  chap.  10. 

4.  Was  the  promise  about  the  angels  intended  to  be  taken 
literally,  and  was  it  fulfilled  in  Nathanael's  life? 

5.  Briefly  portray  the  provinces  and  people  of  Judea  and 
Galilee.  Bible  Diet.;  Hist.  Geo.  H.  L.,  259-320,  413-435j 
Stalker,  67 ;  Farrar,  92-98. 


44  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  IV.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  John  i,  45,  46. 

Write  in  Harmony  a  full  list  of  the  titles  applied  to 
Christ  in  the  Gospel  section  for  the  "week,  and  see  if  you 
can  give  from  memory  all  the  "Opening  Events  of 
Christ's  Ministry." 

Personal  Thought. 

*'One  of  the  two  that  heard  John  speak,  and  followed 
him,  was  Andrew,  Simon  Peter's  brother.  He  findeth 
first  his  own  brother,  Simon,  and  saith  unto  him,  We 
have  found  the  Messiah." 

Since  becoming  a  Christian,  have  I  ever  led  any  one 
to  Christ?  Have  I  ever  spoken  of  him  to  my  relatives 
or  my  friends  and  acquaintances?  What  keeps  us  from 
doing  what  was  the  natural  thing  with  Andrew?  Read 
James  v,  20. 


PAET  III. 

EARLY  JUDEAN  AND  GALILEAN 
MINISTEY. 


FIFTH  "WEEK. 


AT   JERUSALEM— FIEST    CLEANSING    OF    TEM- 
PLE—DISCOURSE WITH  NICODEMUS. 


STUDY  v.— First  Day. 

The  Jews'  passover  being  nigh  at  hand,  Jesus  has  now  christ  At- 
come  to  Jerusalem.  It  was  early  spring,  in  the  month  p^^^over. 
of  April,  A.  D.  27.*  A  month  before  the  feast  the  bridges 
and  roads  had  been  repaired,  and  the  sepulchers  had  been 
whitened  to  prevent  accidental  pollution  to  the  traveler. 
As  the  day  of  the  feast  approached,  great  multitudes  be- 
gan to  move  in  the  direction  of  the  Holy  City.  Jews 
from  all  nations  were  going  up  to  sacrifice  and  to  pay 
their  temple  tax.  Josephus  says  that  A.  D.  65  there 
were  three  million  Jews  at  the  feast,  f  and  that  at  the  pass- 
over  in  the  reign  of  Nero  there  were  two  million  seven 
hundred  thousand  present,  and  that  two  hundred  and 
fifty-six  thousand  five  hundred  lambs  were  slain.  "All 
the  sects  of  Judea,  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  all  the  nation- 

*  Andrews,  p.  169.     +  Hastings,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  691. 
45 


46  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

alities  of  the  earth,  were  present.  The  Syrian  Jew  was 
there;  the  Jew  from  Egypt;  Jews  from  the  Rhine — in 
short,  Jews  from  all  East  countries,  and  all  West  coun- 
tries, and  all  the  islands  of  the  sea,  were  present."  With 
this  vast  company  Jesus  went  up  to  Jerusalem  to  cele- 
brate the  first  passover  since  his  baptism.  It  was  a  mo- 
mentous occasion.  Should  Jesus  begin  his  public  min- 
istry, suddenly  appearing  in  the  temple,  declaring,  "The 
kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand?"  Many  abuses  had 
crept  into  the  Jewish  Church ;  should  he  now  begin  the 
work  of  reformation?  Much  heresy  was  being  taught; 
should  he  clarify  their  doctrines  ? 

Cieaasesthe        The  first  thing  Jesus  did  was  to  cleanse  the  temple. 
Temple.  ^  ^ 

In  the  outer  court,  the  court  of  the  Gentiles,  Jesus  no- 
ticed great  confusion.  Herdsmen  were  there  with  oxen 
and  sheep,  which  they  sold  for  sacrificial  services.  Sellers 
of  pigeons  stood  ready  to  supply  doves  to  poor  women 
coming  for  purification.  Those  who  sold  were  shouting 
the  merits  of  animals  and  birds.  Doves  were  cooing, 
sheep  were  bleating,  cattle  were  lowing,  and  the  people 
were  wasting  many  words  in  buying  and  selling. 

At  the  feast  it  was  also  customary  for  the  people  to 
pay  their  temple  tax,  and  make  a  free-will  offering  for 
the  house  of  the  Lord.  Coming  from  all  provinces  and 
all  nations,  they  brought  the  coin  of  their  own  realm. 
That  Palestinian  Jews,  as  well  as  those  from  abroad, 
might  obtain  the  exact  half-shekel  of  the  sanctuary, 
which  the  officials  would  expect  as  the  temple  tax,  ex- 
change was  necessary.  For  this  purpose  stalls  were 
opened  a  month  before  the  feast  at  Jerusalem,  and  even 
in  every  country  town.*   There  was  no  need  that  the  traf- 

*Geikle,  Vol.  I,  p.  471 ;  Edersheim,  Vol.  I,  p.  867. 


Early  Judean  and  Galilean  Ministry.     47 

fickers  and  the  money-changers  should  invade  the  temple 
courts.  Not  only  had  they  done  so,  but  gross  abuses  had 
arisen,  and  extortion  was  freely  practiced.  For  this 
reason  the  money-makers  and  the  people,  who  were  sus- 
picious of  fraud,  spent  much  time  in  arguing,  disputing, 
quarreling,  and  bargaining.  Such  traffic  Christ  looked 
upon  as  a  terrible  desecration,  and  such  practices  as  none 
other  than  robbery.  Jesus,  therefore,  "  made  a  scourge 
of  cords,  and  cast  all  out  of  the  temple,  both  the  sheep 
and  the  oxen ;  and  he  poured  out  the  changers'  money, 
and  overthrew  their  tables ;  and  to  them  that  sold  doves 
he  said,  Take  these  things  hence ;  make  not  my  Father's 
house  a  house  of  merchandise." 

The  cleansing  of  the  temple  created  such  a  sensation  Many  Believe. 
that  multitudes  gathered  about   Jesus,    unto  whom   he 
spoke  and  before  whom  he  performed  certain  unrecorded 
miracles,  and  "  Many  believed  on  his  name,  beholding  his 
signs  which  he  did."     Among  those  upon  whom  convic-  Discourse 
tion  settled  was  one  Nicodemus,  a  Pharisee,  and  a  mem-  „  *s. '^'*'°**^" 
ber  of  the  Jerusalem  Sanhedrin,  who  came  to  Jesus  by 
night  to  learn  the  way  of  life.     To  him  Jesus  delivered 
the  wonderful  discourse  in  John  iii,  1-21,  on  the  new 
birth. 

Here  is  an  opportunity  for  word-picturing.  Half 
the  significance  of  the  Nicodemus  incident  is  depend- 
ent upon  a  vivid  realization  of  the  circumstances. 

STUDY  v.— Second  Day. 

Eead  John  ii,  13-22.  Fix  some  of  the  special  features 
of  John's  Gospel.     It  was  written  about  A.  D.  100,*  per- 

*Godet  on  John,  Vol.  I,  p.  167;  Moflfatt,  The  Historical  New  Tes- 
tament (1901),  pp.  495,  496. 


48  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

haps  twenty  years  after  the  latest  of  the  Synoptic  (what 
does  "Synoptic"  mean?)  Gospels,  and  largely  presents 
material  not  found  in  them.  It  shows  Jesus  attending 
the  Feasts  at  Jerusalem,  and  so  gives  his  ministry  in 
Judea.  It  seems  to  have  been  written  specially  for  the 
Church  universal.  It  reveals  the  Deity  of  Christ,  and 
contains  many  of  his  greatest  discourses.  Everywhere  in 
it  we  see  faith  and  unbelief,  respecting  Christ,  contend- 
ing for  mastery  in  men's  hearts.  About  this  contest 
center  its  great  words,  such  as,  "believe,"  "know," 
"judge,"  "witness,"  "the  light,"  "the  truth,"  "glory," 
"glorify,"  "the  Son,"  "eternal  life."* 

STUDY  v.— Third  Day. 

Eead  John  ii,  23-25,  having  in  mind  the  key-points 
given  yesterday. 

Suggestions    for    Map   Work   and    References   for   the 

Harmony, 

Prepare  the  map  for  Part  III. 

Hakmony. — Part  III.  Early  Judean  and  Galilean  Minis- 
try.— From  the  Public  Appearance  of  Jesus  in  Jerusalem  until 
the  Choosing  of  the  Twelve.  Study  V. — At  Jerusalem. — First 
Cleansing  of  Temple. — Discourse  with  Nicodemus.  John  ii, 
13— iii,  21. 

STUDY  v.— Foiu-th  Day. 

Eead  John  iii,  1-21,  and  write  in  the  Harmony,  after 
each  of  the  following  words,  the  number  of  times  (count- 
ing all  forms)  it  is  found  in  the  passage:  "  know,"  "  be- 
lieve," "judge,"  "the  light." 

General  References, 

Edersheim  I,  365-389;  Geikie  I,  467-482;  Stalker,  52,  53; 
Andrews,  167-171;  Farrar,  98-108;  Rhees,  sees.  114-119. 


Farrar,  The  Messages  of  the  Books,  pp.  94-117, 


Early  Judean  and  Galilean  Ministry.     49 

STUDY  v.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  John  iii,  1-8,  weighing  each  phrase  most  care- 
fully. For  the  meaning  of  "born  of  water,"  see  Matt, 
iii,  11;  Luke  vii,  30. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-work. 

1.  The  boldness  of  Jesus.  Luke  ii,  46 ;  John  ii,  13-16 ;  Mark 
ii,  15,  16;  John  vi,  59,  61,  66;  Luke  xiii,  31,  32;  John  xi,  7,  8,  16; 
Matt,  xxiii,  13-36 ;  John  xviii,  3-5 ;  xix,  9-11. 

2.  The  temple  at  Jerusalem  (Herod's),  and  its  courts. 
Draw  a  gi-ound-plan  of  same.  Edersheim  I,  114,  120 ;  Geikie  I, 
95,  96 ;  Oxford  Bible  ;  Bib.  Diet. 

3.  The  date,  or  season,  in  the  year,  of  the  Passover.  Ox- 
ford Bible  ;  Bib.  Diet. ;  Andrews,  169  ;  Rhees,  sec.  49. 

4.  The  Sanhedrin  and  its  membership.  Oxford  Bible  ;  Bib. 
Diet. 

5.  What  is  the  point  of  the  simile  about  the  wind?  John 
iii,  8. 

6.  Is  John  iii,  1-5,  most  appropriate  for  reading  to  the  self- 
righteous,  or  to  the  outcast?    State  reasons  for  your  opinion. 

STUDY  v.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  John  iii,  16-21.  The  great  saving  truths  of 
the  gospel  are  combined  in  this  first  verse. 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  Make  a  list  of  the  Feasts  of  the  Jews,  and  note  the  sig- 
nificance of  each.     Oxford  Bible;  Bib.  Diet.  ;  Edersheim  I,  229. 

2.  Were  the  temple  priests  in  any  waj  connected  with  the 
traffic  carried  on  in  the  temple?    Edersheim  I,  369-371. 

3.  What  kind  of  money  was  used  ?  Oxford  Bible ;  Eders- 
heim 1,  367,  368. 

4.  How  were  the  priests  paid?  Deut.  xviii,  1-8 ;  Muirhead's 
Times  of  Christ,  81. 

4 


5©  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

5.  Give  your  estimate  of  the  character  or  qualities  of  Nico- 
demus  as  a  man  and,  perhaps,  a  disciple.  Bead  John  vii,  50 ; 
xix,  39. 

STUDY  v.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  John  iii,  16,  and  write  in  the  Harmony  why 
it  may  be  considered  the  most  notable  verse  in  the  Bible. 
Write  your  statement,  based  on  Scriptural  teaching,  of 
what  constitutes  the  New  Birth. 

Personal  Thouglit. 

"Except  a  man  be  born  anew,  he  can  not  see  the 
kingdom  of  God."  Have  I  the  evidence  that  fully  sat- 
isfies me  that  the  experience  of  the  New  Birth  is  mine  ? 
Read  2  Cor.  v,  17;  Gal.  vi,  15;  Rom.  viii,  14-16. 


PART  ni,— SIXTH  -WEEK. 

JEEUSALEM    TO    CAPERNAUM— JESUS    MAKES 

DISCIPLES  IN  JUDEA— DISCOURSE^  AT 

SYCHAR  AND   NAZARETH. 


STUDY  VI.— First  Day. 

After  a  most  eventful  passover  at  Jerusalem,  and  a  Christ 
somewhat  lengthy  preaching  tour  through  Judea,  Jesus  Throuoh 
returned  to  Galilee.  St.  John  declares:  "And  he  must  ^^'"^'■'* 
needs  pass  through  Samaria.  So  he  cometh  to  a  city  of 
Samaria,  called  Sychar,  .  .  .  and  Jacob's  well  was 
there.  Jesus  therefore,  being  wearied  with  his  journey, 
sat  by  the  well.  It  was  about  the  sixth  hour."  The 
most  direct  route  to  Galilee  ran  north  through  the  de- 
spised province  of  Samaria;  but  because  of  the  general 
hatred  for  its  inhabitants,  the  people  of  Judea  usually 
followed  the  road  along  the  Jordan  River,  praying  God 
that  their  eyes  might  never  fall  on  a  Samaritan.  This 
enmity  between  Judea  and  Samaria  dated  back  to  the 
separation  of  the  ten  tribes  from  Judah,  under  Reho- 
boam,  and  was  so  intense  that  since  the  days  of  the 
prophet  Hosea,  more  than  seven  hundred  and  fifty  years 
before,  it  had  been  unsafe  for  Jewish  travelers  to  pass 
through  the  border  districts.  The  population  of  Samaria 
was  a  mixture  of  Jewish  and  Gentile  blood.  They  ac- 
cepted the  Mosaic  law,  built  themselves  a  temple  which 
rivaled  the  one   at  Jerusalem,  and  claimed   for  Mount 

51 


52  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Gerizim  a  greater  holiness  than  Mount  Moriah.*    It  was 
through  this  often  unsafe  and  always  despised  country 
that  Jesus  journeyed  toward  Galilee. 
Meets  Wo-        About  noon  he  reached  a  well  near  the  city  of  Sychar, 

man  at  the  "^  "^ 

Well,  and  rested  under  the  shade  of  the  trees  while  his  dis- 
ciples went  to  the  town  to  purchase  food.  Presently  a 
humble  woman  came  to  the  well  to  draw  water  with  which 
to  fill  her  goatskin  vessel.  Jesus  began  the  conversation 
by  asking  a  favor  of  the  woman,  saying  unto  her,  "Give 
me  to  drink."  Then  followed  a  most  skillful  discourse 
which  so  convicted  this  sinful  woman  that  she  became  a 
witness  for  Christ,  and  many  of  her  neighbors  and  towns- 
people believed  and  "besought  him  that  he  would  tarry 
with  them :  and  he  abode  there  two  days.  And  many 
more  believed  because  of  his  word." 
Again  Visits  From  Sychar,  Jesus  passed  into  Galilee,  and  visited 
Cana  a  second  time.  The  news  of  his  popularity  in  Judea 
and  his  miracles  and  preaching  in  Judea  had  been  carried 
back  to  Galilee  by  those  who  attended  the  passover,  and 
many  of  the  people  were  anxious  for  his  return.  Among 
others,  a  certain  nobleman,  who  lived  at  Capernaum, 
twenty  miles  away,  had  heard  of  this  wonderful  Teacher, 
and  learning  that  he  was  again  in  Cana,  went  there,  "and 
besought  him  that  he  would  come  down,  and  heal  his 
son;  for  he  was  at  the  point  of  death."  "Jesus  saith 
unto  him,  Go  thy  way;  thy  son  liveth."  Believing  the 
words  of  Jesus,  he  went  his  way,  and  as  he  returned  his 
servants  met  him,  saying,  "Thy  son  liveth.  So  he  in- 
quired of  them  the  hour  when  he  began  to  amend.  They 
said  therefore  unto  him,  Yesterday  at  the  seventh  hour 
the  fever  left  him.     So  the  father  knew  that  it  was  at 


*Gelkle,  Vol.  I,  p.  495. 


Early  Judean  and  Galilean  Ministry.     53 

that  hour  in  which  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Thy  son  liveth : 

and  himself  believed,  and  his  whole  house." 

From  Cana,  Christ  went  to  Nazareth,  the  home  of  his  Rejected  at 

Nazareth* 

childhood.     There  among  his  old  neighbors  and  friends 

Jesus  formally  opened  his  public  ministry,  announcing 
himself  as  the  promised  Messiah.  "And  he  entered,  as 
his  custom  was,  into  the  synagogue  on  the  sabbath  day 
and  stood  up  to  read.  And  there  was  delivered  unto  him 
the  book  of  the  prophet  Isaiah.  And  he  opened  the 
book,  and  found  the  place  where  it  was  written,  The 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  upon  me,  because  he  anointed  me 
to  preach  good  tidings  to  the  poor:  he  hath  sent  me  to 
proclaim  release  to  the  captives,  and  recovering  of  sight 
to  the  blind,  to  set  at  liberty  them  that  are  bruised,  to 
proclaim  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord.  And  he  closed 
the  book,  and  began  to  say  unto  them.  To-day  hath  this 
scripture  been  fulfilled  in  your  ears."  The  first  impres- 
sion was  one  of  admiring  wonder.  But  when  Jesus  did 
not  respond  to  their  craving  for  miraculous  signs,  and 
was  forced  to  cite  the  benefits  bestowed  on  Gentile  faith 
by  Old  Testament  prophets,  "they  were  all  filled  with 
wrath  in  the  synagogue,  .  .  .  and  they  rose  up,  and  cast 
him  forth  out  of  the  city." 

Having  been  rejected  at  Nazareth,  and  having  escaped  Removes  to 
the  mob,  Jesus  went  to  Capernaum,  which  became  his    ^p^™*""** 
headquarters  through  all  the  remaining  period  of  his 
Galilean  ministry. 


In  the  study  of  the  work  of  the  coming  week, 
which  is  mostly  in  the  Gospel  of  John,  remember 
that  scholars  find  evidences  of  design  in  the  whole 


54  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

structure  of  the  Gospels,  and  that  it  will  open  up  to 
the  alert  and  patient  student  in  the  most  unexpected 
manner. 

STUDY  VI.— Second  Day. 

Eead  John  iii,  22;  iv,  1,  2,  and  note  that  Christ  here 
takes  up  for  a  time  a  work  among  the  people  preparatory 
to  his  future  ministry,  much  like  that  of  John  the 
Baptist.* 

STUDY  VI.— Third  Day. 

Eead  John  iii,  23-36.  Notwithstanding  the  likeness 
of  Jesus'  work  to  John's  at  this  time,  and  its  increasing 
popularity,  mark  the  absolute  loyalty  of  the  latter. 

Suggestions    for   Map   "Work    and    References   for   the 
Harmony. 

Mark  on  the  map  the  course  of  Jesus  from  Jerusalem  to 
northeastern  Judea,  supposed  to  be  the  region  where  his  dis- 
ciples baptized,  thence  to  Sychar,  Cana,  Nazareth,  and  Caper- 
naum. 

Harmony. — Study  VI.  Jerusalem  to  Capernaum. — Jesus 
Makes  Disciples  in  Judea. — Discourses  at  Sychar  and  Nazareth. 
Matt,  iv,  12-17 ;  Mark  i,  14, 16 ;  Luke  iv,  14-31 ;  John  iii,  22— iv,  54. 

STUDY  VI.— Potarth  Day. 

Read  John  iv,  1-26,  dwelling  on  the  skill  and  effect- 
iveness of  Christ  in  personal  work.  Fix  the  additional 
key-point  that  in  John's  Gospel  the  sphere  of  Christ's 
work  is  specially  the  individual  soul.  Even  the  dis- 
courses are  largely  conversations  with  one  person  or  a 
group.  Recall  already  Nathanael,  Nicodemus,  and  this 
woman. 


♦Andrews,  pp.  176, 177. 


Early  Judean  and  Galilean  Ministry.     55 

General  References. 

Edersheim  I,  390-459,  655-661;  Geikie  I,  483-515;  Stalker, 
57-61 ;  Andrews,  171-189 ;  215-243 ;  Farrar,  108-125. 

STUDY  VI.— Fifth  Day. 

Eead  John  iv,  27-42,  and  write  in  the  Harmony  the 
things  which  you  see  giving  Jesus  power  as  a  personal 
worker. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  01ass-"work. 

1.  The  attitude  of  Jesus  toward  women.  Luke  ii,  48-51 ; 
John  ii,l-5, 12;  iv,7-39;  Mark  i,30,31;  Luke  vii,  37-50;  viii,2,3; 
Matt.  XV,  21-28 ;  Luke  x,  38-42 ;  John  xi ;  Mark  xiv,  3-9 ;  xii,  41- 
44 ;  Luke  xxiii,  27-29 ;  John  xx,  11-18. 

2.  The  history  of  the  Samaritans.  Edersheim  I,  395-403; 
Geikie  I,  322,  323 ;  521-524;  Ehees,  sec.  14;  Oxford  Bible. 

8.  The  arrangements,  oflRcials,  and  service  of  the  synagogue. 
Oxford  Bible  ;  Edersheim  I,  430-436 ;  Geikie  I,  184-187  ;  Ehees, 
sec.  15. 

4.  When,  in  the  course  of  this  lesson,  does  the  imprison- 
ment of  John  the  Baptist  take  place?  Andrews,  182;  Eder- 
sheim I,  656-659. 

5.  Where  was  he  imprisoned?  by  what  Herod?  and  for 
what  cause?    Geikie  I,  420,  421. 

6.  Why  did  Jesus  plainly  reveal  himself  as  the  Messiah  to 
the  woman  at  the  well,  while  at  the  same  time  he  strictly 
charged  his  disciples  to  tell  no  man  that  he  was  the  Christ? 
What  difference  in  the  conception  of  the  office  and  work  of  the 
Messiah,  as  held  by  this  woman  (John  iv,  25),  and  that  held  by 
Jews  in  general?    Edersheim  I,  418 ;  Geikie  I,  529. 

STUDY  Vl.-Sixth  Day. 

Read  John  iv,  43-54.  Note  that  this  Gospel  numbers 
the  healing  of  the  nobleman's  son  as  the  "second  sign," 
and  that  it  develops  faith  toward  Christ. 


56  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  What  caused  the  feud  between  the  Jews  and  Samaritans  ? 
Edersheim  I,  401-403. 

2.  Did  the  Samaritans  look  for  a  Messiah? 

3.  What  two  great  truths  did  Jesus  unfold  to  the  woman  of 
Samaria  ? 

4.  Had  Jesus  announced  his  Messiahship  before  doing  so  at 
Nazareth?    If  so,  where? 

5.  From  what  chapter  in  Isaiah  did  he  read  ? 

STUDY  VI.— Seventh  Day, 

Memorize  John  iv,  23,  24. 
Read  Luke  iv,  16-31. 

Personal  Thought. 

Should  any  sinner  say  to  me,  "  Sir,  give  me  this  water 
that  I  thirst  not,"  have  I  anything  to  give  ? 

Do  I  know  how  to  do  personal  work  for  Christ  ? 
Have  I  ever  studied  the  life  of  Christ  and  the  word  of 
God,  that  I  may  learn  how  to  bring  people  into  the  king- 
dom ?     Read  2  Tim.  ii,  15. 


PART  III.— SEVENTH  WEEK. 

CALL    OF    THE    FOUE    TO    FIEST    PEEACHING 
TOUE   IN^   GALILEE. 


STUDY  VII.— First  Day. 

Some  have  supposed  that  Christ's  mother  had  trans-  Christ's 

Mother  and 

f erred  her  own  residence  with  her  son  s  to  Capernaum;  Home. 
others  that  he  made  his  home  with  Simon  Peter,  whose 
house  was  always  open  to  the  disciples. 

One  day,  while  walking  by  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  Jesus  Second  Caii 

of  the  Disci- 
saw  two  brethren — Simon,  called  Peter,  and  Andrew,  his  pies. 

brother — casting  a  net  into  the  sea ;  for  they  were  fisher- 
men. And  he  said  unto  them,  "  Come  ye  after  me,  and 
I  will  make  you  fishers  of  men."  "And  going  on  from 
thence  he  saw  other  two  brethren,  James  the  son  of  Zeb- 
edee,  and  John  his  brother,  .  .  .  and  he  called  them. 
And  they  straightway  left  the  boat,  .  .  .  and  followed 
him."  This  event  proved  to  be  one  of  the  turning  points 
of  history ;  for  these  Galilean  fishermen  were  to  lay  the 
foundations  of  the  Christian  Church. 

The  Sabbath-day  approached,  and,  as  his  custom  was,  Sabbath  of 

Miracles. 

he  entered  the  synagogue  and  began  to  teach,  "and  they 

were  astonished  at  his  teaching:  for  his  word  was  with 

authority."    The  morning  service  in  the  synagogue  began 

at  nine  o'clock,  and  the  news  that  this  new  rabbi  was 

57 


58  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

in  the  city  doubtless  attracted  large  crowds  of  people. 
Those  who  heard  him  were  amazed.  Other  rabbis  talked 
about  washings,  and  tithes,  and  circumcision,  and  the 
kind  of  wood  to  be  used  at  the  altar,  and  other  trivial 
rabbinical  rules.  Jesus  spoke  of  the  essentials  which  con- 
stitute Christian  living,  and  stirred  the  very  depths  of 
the  heart.  But  they  were  not  alone  astonished  at  what  he 
said,  but  equally  so  at  the  manifest  power  of  his  words. 
There  was  present  in  the  audience  a  ' '  man  'with  an  un- 
clean spirit,"  who,  when  he  heard  Jesus  speak,  arose, 
*'and  cried  out,  .  .  .  Ah!  What  have  we  to  do  with 
thee,  thou  Jesus  of  Nazareth  ?  Art  thou  come  to  destroy 
us  ?  I  know  thee  who  thou  art,  the  Holy  one  of  God. 
And  Jesus  rebuked  him,  saying.  Hold  thy  peace,  and 
come  out  of  him.  And  he  came  out  of  him,  having  done 
him  no  hurt.  .  .  .  And  there  went  forth  a  rumor  con- 
cerning him  into  every  place  of  the  region  round  about." 
Peter's  wife's        This  incident  was  so  startling  and  unexpected  that  it 

Mother  re-  •  «  •  t     t  t    i  •         • 

stored,  broke  up  the  service  for  a  time,  and  Jesus  and  his  dis- 
ciples retired  to  Simon's  house.  Entering  this  hospitable 
home,  he  found  Simon's  wife's  mother  violently  sick  with 
a  fever.  Anxious  friends  besought  his  assistance,  and, 
going  into  the  chamber,  he  bent  over  the  sick  woman, 
*'and  took  her  by  the  hand,  and  raised  her  up;  and  the 
fever  left  her,  and  she  ministered  unto  them."  The 
news  of  a  second  miracle  stirred  the  people  in  all  parts 
of  the  city,  "  and  when  the  sun  was  setting,  all  they  that 
had  any  sick  with  divers  diseases  brought  them  unto 
him;  and  he  laid  his  hands  on  every  one  of  them,  and 
healed  them."  The  blind  returned  to  their  home  see- 
ing, the  dumb  shouted  for  joy,  and  those  who  had  been 
possessed  of  devils  thanked  God  for  release. 


Early  Judean  and  Galilean  Ministry.     59 


The   night  which  followed  this   busy   and   eventful  TourinEast- 

^  ern  Galilee. 

Sabbath-day  of  miracle-working  brought  no  rest  to 
Christ,  although  he  was  weary  in  body  and  mind.  For 
this  reason,  he  arose  from  his  couch  "a  great  while  be- 
fore day,  .  .  .  and  departed  into  a  desert  place,  and  there 
prayed."  When  morning  dawned  the  disciples  missed 
their  Master,  and  soon  the  people  began  to  assemble, 
again  bringing  their  sick.  The  disciples,  not  knowing 
what  to  do,  hastened  in  search  of  Jesus.  "And  they 
found  him,  and  say  unto  him.  All  are  seeking  thee.  And 
he  saith  unto  them.  Let  us  go  elsewhere  into  the  next 
towns,  that  I  may  preach  there  also;  for  to  this  end 
came  I  forth.  And  he  went  into  their  synagogues 
throughout  all  Galilee,  preaching  and  casting  out  devils." 
It  was  during  this  tour  that  a  leper  was  cleansed. 


Cultivate  your  imagination.  Get  into  the  habit  of 
dwelling  on  these  events  until  you  can  see  them 
vividly. 


STUDY  VII.— Second  Day. 

Read  Luke  v,  1-11,  and  see  how  full  is  Luke's  account 
of  the  call  of  the  four  leading  disciples,  as  compared 
with  Mark  i,  16-20,  and  Matt,  iv,  18-22.  Think  of 
Mark  as  written  about  A.  D.  70,  Matthew  A.  D.  75, 
Luke  A.  D.  80.* 


*Moffatt,  The  Historical   New  Testament,  ipp.  273;   Hastings  on 
the  three  Gospels. 


6o  Studies  in   the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  VII.— Third  Day. 

Eead  Mark  i,  16-20.  Fix  some  of  tlie  key-points  of 
Mark's  Gospel.*  It  is  first  in  time  of  the  four,  at  least  in 
their  present  form.  It  is  the  shortest,  having  least  of 
the  matter  of  discourses.  Its  author  was  least  prominent 
of  the  four  Gospel  writers;  yet  very  early  tradition 
places  Peter's  preaching  and  thought  back  of  much  of 
Mark's  record.  All  is  intense,  rapid  action.  It  makes 
Jesus  the  Divine  Worker,  moving  with  power,  yet  with 
great  humility  and  compassion.  The  style  is  graphic, 
the  writer  a  word-painter.  The  narrative  goes  onward 
like  the  march  of  a  Eoman  legion;  "and  "  begins  almost 
every  chapter  and  paragraph,  and  "straightway"  occurs 
about  forty  times. 

Suggestions    for    Map   "Work    and    References    for  the 
Harmony. 

Mark  on  the  map  the  tour  through  eastern  Galilee  and 
return  to  Capernaum. 

Harmony. — Study  VII.  Call  of  the  Four  to  First  Preach- 
ing Tour  in  Galilee.  Matt,  iv,  18-22 ;  viii,  14-17  ;  viii,  2-4 ;  Mark 
i,  16-45 ;  Luke  v,  1-16 ;  iv,  32-44. 

STUDY  VII.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  Mark  i,  21-34,  holding  in  mind  the  key-points 
of  yesterday. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  I,  472-498;  Geikie  I,  515-518;  II,  1-16;  Stalker 
61-90 ;  Andrews,  245-252 ;  Farrar,  125-131,  145-147. 


♦Hastings  on  Mark;  Farrar,  The  Messages  of  the  Books,  pp.  53-66. 


Early  Judean  and  Galilean  Ministry.     6i 


STUDY  Vn.— Fifth  Day. 

Eead  Mark  i,  35-45.  Notice  the  evidence  of  Jesus' 
prayer-life.     Find  other  instances  where  Jesus  prayed. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  01ass--work. 

1.  The  prayer-life  of  Jesus.  Matt,  vi,  9-13 ;  John  xi,  41,  42 ; 
Matt,  xiv,  23;  Luke  v,  16;  Mark  i,  35;  John  xvii;  Matt,  xxvi, 
36,  39. 

2.  The  business  of  fishing  on  the  Sea  of  Galilee.  Hist.  Geo. 
H.  L.,  462,  463;  Edersheim  I,  473,  474. 

3.  The  eases  of  possession  with  spirits  in  the  time  of  Christ. 
Edersheim  I,  478-484;  Rhees,  sees.  142-144;  Nevins,  Demon 
Possession  and  Allied  Themes;  Sanday;  Hast.  Bib.  Diet.  H, 
624,  625. 

4.  Prevalence  of  leprosy  in  the  far  East.  Why  is  sin  com- 
pared to  leprosy  ?  Bib.  Diet. ;  Edersheim  I,  491-495 ;  Geikie  II, 
13-15. 

STUDY  VII.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Mark  i,  9-45,  and  enter  in  the  Harmony  the 
number  of  times  "  straightway"  is  found. 

Questions  for  "Written  Ans"wers. 

1.  AVhy  did  Christ  call  the  disciples  a  second  time?  See 
Commentaries. 

2.  How  many  of  the  Twelve  were  fishermen  ? 

3.  Was  it  customary  for  rabbis  to  gather  disciples  about 
them? 

4.  What  was  a  rabbi?  Oxford  Bible;  Geikie  I,  71-74; 
II,  21,  22. 

STUDY  vn.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Luke  v,  4,  5. 

Study  Peter  as  the  type  of  man  whom  Jesus  finally 


62  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

selects  here  to  be  the  first  of  his  permanent  attendants. 
Can  you  see  Peter's  temperament  and  spirit  reflected  in, 
Mark's  Gospel? 

Personal  Thought. 

"And  in  the  morning,  a  great  while  before  day,  he 
rose  up  and  went  out,  and  departed  into  a  desert  place, 
and  there  prayed." 

This  was  on  Monday,  after  a  Sabbath  when  unusual 
demands  were  made  upon  the  physical  nature,  and  the 
sympathy  and  spiritual  power  of  Jesus. 

Am  I  most  prayerful  when  I  have  most  to  do  ? 

Bead  Luke  x,  38-42 ;  xi,  1. 


PART  ni. -EIGHTH  WEEK. 

AT  CAPERNAUM  —PARALYTIC  CURED  — 
MATTHEW  CALLED. 


STUDY  Vm.— First  Day. 

Returning  from  his  tour  through  eastern  Galilee,  The  Paralytic 
Christ  continued  his  ministry  in  Capernaum.  The  first 
recorded  event  is  the  healing  of  the  man  sick  of  the 
palsy.  Jesus  was  preaching  in  Simon's  house,  and  the 
people  had  crowded  around  him,  filling  the  inner  rooms, 
and  gallery,  and  court,  and  hallway,  and  probably  throng- 
ing the  street.  When  four  men  came  carrying  the  par- 
alytic, there  was  no  room  remaining  for  approach  unto 
Jesus.  What  should  be  done  ?  Should  they  wait  until 
the  multitude  dispersed?  Should  they  wait  for  a  more 
auspicious  occasion  ?  They  decided  quickly  what  to  do. 
Outside  the  house  was  a  stairway,  by  which  they  ascended 
to  the  roof.  Reaching  the  roof  over  the  place  where 
Jesus  stood,  they  lifted  off  the  tiles,  removed  the  light 
woodwork  which  supported  them,  and  lowered  their 
friend  into  the  presence  of  the  Divine  Healer.  Jesus, 
seeing  their  faith,  said  unto  the  sick  of  the  palsy,  **  Man, 
thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee." 

Going  forth  "by  the  seaside,"  passing  by  the  "place  TheCaiiof 

Matthew. 

of  toll,"  Jesus  saw  a  publican  named  Matthew,  or  Levi, 

the  son  of  Alphaeus,  collecting  revenues  for  the  Roman 

63 


64  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

government.  These  tax-gatherers  were  always  hated  by 
the  Jews,  to  whom  paying  tribute  to  a  Gentile  govern- 
ment was  exceedingly  obnoxioiis,  and  for  a  Jew  like  Levi- 
Matthew  to  engage  in  such  a  business  was  to  be  excom- 
municated forever  from  fellowship  with  his  people.  The 
publicans  were  classed  with  robbers  and  murderers,  and 
no  strict  Jew  would  eat  or  hold  intercourse  with  them. 
Considerable  is  known  concerning  this  system  of  revenue. 
Edersheim  declares  that  the  ground  tax  was  one-tenth  of 
all  grain  and  one-fifth  of  all  wine  and  fruit.  The  in- 
come tax  amounted  to  one  per  cent,  and  there  was  a  poll 
tax  on  all  persons,  bond  and  free.  Besides  these  staple 
taxes,  there  were  numerous  tolls,  and  duties,  and  cus- 
toms, which  made  the  life  of  the  traveler  and  those  who 
had  commercial  transactions  almost  unbearable.  It  was 
exceedingly  vexatious  to  be  compelled  to  pay  toll  at  every 
gate ;  to  unload  pack  animals  and  submit  to  every  package 
being  opened  by  customs  officers,  and  to  have  its  contents 
tumbled  about  unceremoniously.  For  these  and  many 
other  reasons  every  Jew  had  a  profound  dislike  for  the 
system,  and  regarded  its  agents  with  aversion.  It  was  to 
one  of  these  despised  publicans  to  whom  Jesus  now  said, 
"  Follow  me."  This  was  a  welcome  invitation,  and  Mat- 
thew "forsook  all,  and  rose  up,  and  followed  him."  His 
resignation  as  a  tax-gatherer  took  effect  that  very  hour, 
and  he  became  a  follower  of  Jesus. 
Matthew's  As  a  mark  of  appreciation,  and  as  an  expression  of 
gratitude  to  Jesus,  Levi-Matthew  "made  him  a  great 
feast  in  his  house:  and  there  was  a  great  multitude  of 
publicans  and  of  others  that  were  sitting  at  meat  with 
them."  There  seems  to  have  been  no  difficulty  in  secur- 
ing the  presence  of  the  publicans  on  this  occasion.     The 


Early  Judean  and  Galilean  Ministry.     65 

treatment  accorded  Matthew  by  Jesus  was  so  different 
from  that  which  he  or  any  of  them  had  ever  received, 
that  they  ghidly  came.  Matthew  had  been  an  outcast 
from  Jewish  society,  although  a  Jew  by  birth.  They  had 
thrust  him  out  of  their  synagogue,  and  the  rabbis,  sitting 
in  judgment  on  his  case,  had  declared  that  repentance 
was  well-nigh  imjiossible.  It  will  be  seen,  therefore, 
that  the  call  of  Matthew  made  a  great  stir  in  Jewish 
circles.  The  case  was  too  flagrant  to  be  overlooked,  and 
when  Jesus  condescended  to  dine  with  them  that  day, 
the  Pharisees  could  not  resist  the  opportunity  of  attack, 
and  they  ask,  "Why  eateth  your  Master  with  the  pub- 
licans and  sinners?  But  when  he  heard  it,  he  said, 
They  that  are  whole  have  no  need  of  a  physician,  but 
they  that  are  sick!" 

At  about  this  time  some  of  the  disciples  of  John  ask  Questions 

about 

a  question  about  fasting,  to  which  Jesus  replies  in  three  Fasting. 
brief  parable-germs,  showing  that  the  spirit  of  the  new 
kingdom  can  not  be  combined  with  the  old. 


It  is  often  a  good  drill  to  reshape  the  material 
in  your  mind  to  adapt  it  to  the  comprehension  of 
a  little  child. 

STUDY  VIII.— Second  Day. 

Read  Luke  v,  17-26.  Note  how  many  prominent  but 
unfriendly  witnesses  were  present,  yet  the  strong  faith  of 
the  four  friends  and  the  paralytic,  and  Christ's  demon- 
stration of  his  Divine  power  to  forgive  sins. 

STUDY  VIII.— Third  Day. 

Read  Mark  ii,  1-12,  and  see  the  many  graphic  touches. 
Notice  verse  one,  margin,  "at  home." 


66  Studies  in  the   Life  of  Christ. 

Suggestions    for    Map    Work    and    References    for    the 
Harmony. 

Look  up  and  mark  on  the  map  (in  a  different  color  than  for 
the  journeys  of  Christ)  the  main  routes  of  travel  and  commerce 
centering  about  the  Sea  of  Galilee  and  Capernaum. 

Harmony. — Study  VIII.  At  Capernaum. — Paralytic  Cured. 
—Matthew  Called.    Matt,  ix,  2-17 ;  Mark  ii,  1-22 ;  Luke  v,  17-39. 

STUDY  VIII.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  ix,  1-13.  Picture  to  yourself  the  impor- 
tance of  Matthew's  call.  This  publican  was  to  be  the  cue 
who  should  put  in  writing  the  "  sayings  "  of  Christ,  prob- 
ably as  early  as  A.  D.  55-65;  and  his  collection  of  these 
in  Aramaic,  Christ's  native  language,  is  supposed  to  have 
given  us  nearly  all  the  discourses  common  to  the  Syn- 
optic Gospels.*  Think,  then,  of  Peter  as  first  giving  us 
the  deeds  of  Christ  in  Mark's  Gospel,  and  Matthew  his 
words  or  discourses.  Later,  Luke  and  John  will  add  their 
special  parts  to  these,  all  combining  through  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  present  the  full  knowledge  of  Jesus'  life,  and 
words,  and  saving  work. 

General  References, 

Edersheim  I,  499-522,  661-665;  Geikie  II,  17-37;  Stalker, 
61-99 ;  Andrews,  239,  252-255,  303,  304 ;  Farrar,  227-229,  131-133. 

STUDY  VIII.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  Luke  v,  27-32,  and  see  that  Luke,  and  not  Mat- 
thew, lets  us  know  that  the  feast  was  given  by  Matthew. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Olass-work. 

1.  Christ's  wisdom  and  skill  in  the  control  of  men.  Matt,  iii, 
15 ;  John  i,  42,  47-51 ;  iii,  3 ;  Luke  vii,  40 ;  Mark  vi,  7  ;  Matt,  xvi, 


*The  Historical  New  Testament,  pp.  265,  273;  Meyer  on  Matthew 
pp.  9-31. 


Early  Judean  and  Galilean  Ministry.     67 


17,  18,  23 ;  John  vii,  8,  9,  14,  46 ;  Luke  xix,  1-10 ;  Mark  xii,  13-37 ; 
xiii;  John  xiii,  21-30;  Luke  xxii,  61,  62;  John  xix,  26,  27;  xx, 
26-29;  xxi,  1-23. 

2.  The  architecture  of  the  Jewish  house.     Bib.  Diet. 

3.  The  Roman  method  of  collecting,  or  "farming,"  the 
taxes  and  revenues.     Edersheim  1, 515-517  ;  Bib.  Diet.,  "  Taxes," 

4.  Fastings  in  the  Mosaic  law  and  in  rabbinic  teaching.  Ox- 
ford Bible ;  Bib.  Diet. ;  Edersheim  I,  662f. 

5.  Discuss  parable  about  new  wine  in  old  bottles.  (Com- 
pare the  views  of  various  commentaries.  See  Bruce's  Training 
of  the  Twelve,  75f.) 

6.  What  was  the  practical  purpose  of  Jesus,  in  adding 
the  saying  about  the  man  who  had  drunken  old  wine  ?  (Luke 
V,  39.) 

STUDY  Vin.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Mark  xii,  18-32,  and  fix  who  is  meant  by  the 
"bridegroom,"  and  what  by  the  new  cloth  and  the 
new  wine.  Note  that  Jesus  thus  early  again  indicates 
his  violent  death.*     See  John  ii,  19-22. 

Questions  for  "Written  Ans-wers. 

1.  What  diseases  were  prevalent  in  Palestine?  Bible  Diet., 
"  Medicine." 

2.  How  do  you  explain  the  sudden  call  and  prompt  decision 
of  Matthew? 

3.  Is  there  any  indication  that  other  publicans  followed 
Jesus? 

4.  Ascertain  the  popular  opinion  concerning  publicans. 
Eead  Matt,  xviii,  17;  xxi,  31;  Luke  xviii,  11. 

5.  Has  fasting  a  place  among  Christian  duties?  If  so,  give 
the  New  Testament  proof-texts. 

STUDY  VIII.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Luke  xxiv,  xxv. 


*  Edersheim,  Vol.  I,  p.  664. 


68  Studies  in  the   Life  of  Christ. 

Personal  Thought. 

"  Son,  thy  sins  are  forgiven."  What  are  the  Scrip- 
tural conditions  of  forgiveness  of  sins  ?  Do  I  believe 
that  Christ  has  power  on  earth  freely  to  forgive  sin  if  the 
conditions  are  met  ? 

Is  there  any  other  way  whereby  I  may  be  free  from 
the  guilt  of  sin  ?  Do  I  have  knowledge  that  my  sins  are 
forgiven  ?     Is  not  such  knowledge  priceless  ? 

"  To  him  give  all  the  prophets  witness,  that  through 
his  name  whosoever  believeth  in  him  shall  receive  remis- 
sion of  sins."    (Authorized  Version.)    Read  1  John  ii,  1-6. 


PART  III.— NINTH  TVEEK. 

WORKS  OF  MERCY  AND  NECESSITY  ON 
THE  SABBATH. 


STUDY  IX.— First  Day. 

* 'After  these  things  there  was  a  feast  of  the  Jews;  and  Jesus  at  Je- 
Jesus  went  up  to  Jerusalem."     It  is  not  known  what  this 
feast  was.     Some  have  called  it  the  Passover,  others  Pen- 
tecost, still  others  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles.    Little  is  also 
known  about  what  happened  at  the  unknown  feast. 

One  incident  is  related,  the  curing  of  the  infirm  man  Heals  infirm 
at  the  Pool  of  Bethesda,  but  this  one  incident  stirred  the 
City  of  Jerusalem  from  center  to  circumference.  Hear- 
ing, perhaps,  that  many  blind,  and  lame,  and  infirm  were 
congregated  about  this  pool,  Jesus  found  his  way  there, 
and  when  his  eyes  fell  on  the  poor,  sad  creatures,  he  had 
compassion  on  them.  "  Now  there  is  in  Jerusalem  by  the 
sheep  gate  a  pool,  which  is  called  in  Hebrew  Bethesda, 
having  five  porches.  In  these  lay  a  multitude  of  them 
that  were  sick,  blind,  halt,  withered.  And  a  certain  man 
was  there,  which  had  been  thirty  and  eight  years  in  his 
infirmity.  When  Jesus  saw  him  lying,  and  knew  that  he 
had  been  now  a  long  time  in  that  case,  he  saith  unto  him, 
Wouldest  thou  be  made  whole  ?  The  sick  man  answered 
him,  Sir,  I  have  no  man,  when  the  water  is  troubled,  to 

put  me  into  the  pool.  .  .  ,  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Arise, 

69 


JO  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

take  up  thy  bed,  and  walk."  The  thing  which  stirred 
Jerusalem  most  on  this  occasion  was  not  that  a  great 
miracle  had  been  performed,  but  that  it  had  been  per- 
formed on  the  Sabbath-day,  and,  therefore,  a  serious 
crime  had  been  committed  by  Jesus.  Not  that  any  of 
God's  laws  concerning  the  Sabbath  had  been  broken,  but 
laws  which  the  rabbis  had  made  had  been  infringed 
upon.  To  understand  the  growing  contest  between 
Jesus  and  the  Jewish  Church,  it  must  be  remembered 
that  the  authorities  of  the  Church  had  added  much  to 
the  simple  commands  of  God  through  Moses.  Their 
comments  upon,  and  their  interpretation  of,  the  law,  as 
expounded  in  the  Talmud,  Mishna,  and  Gemara,  were 
purely  man-made;  but  such  was  their  authority  in  the 
Church  that  the  rabbis  had  actually  usurped  the  place  of 
Moses,  and  their  interpretations  were  regarded  in  many 
cases  as  more  important  than  the  direct  commands  of 
God.  Jesus  believed  that  the  "  Sabbath  was  made  for 
man,  and  not  man  for  the  Sabbath."  The  Jew  said, 
"  Keep  the  minutest  detail  of  the  ritual  if  you  would  be 
approved."  Jesus  the  Christ  said,  "Be  pure  in  heart, 
have  right  motives,  give  thyself  to  philanthropy  and 
benevolence."  The  Jew  said,  "  Church  service."  Jesus 
said,  *'  Heart  service."  For  this  reason,  Jesus  responded 
freely  to  the  needs  of  humanity  on  the  Sabbath.  But 
when  the  Jews  saw  the  impotent  man,  mingling  with 
the  crowd,  carrying  his  mat  or  rug  rolled  up  under  his 
arm,  they  said,  "It  is  the  sabbath,  and  it  is  not  lawful 
for  thee  to  take  up  thy  bed."  Then  they  ask  him,  "  Who 
is  the  man  that  said  unto  thee,  Take  up  thy  bed  and 
walk  ?"  When  the  Jews  found  that  it  was  Jesus  who  had 
80  commanded,  they  sought  to  kill  him. 


Early  Judean  and  Galilean  Ministry.     71 

Two  other  events — one  illustrating,  as  does  the  fore-  other  Sab- 
going,  the  rightfulness  on  the  Sabbath   of  a  work  of  '*^**'  ^'"'"**' 
mercy  or  charity,  and  the  other  a  work  of  necessity— are 
placed  along  with  the  healing  of  the  infirm  man  at  Jeru- 
salem, though  we  do  not  know  so  clearly  their  locality  or 
date. 

It  is  stated  that  on  a  Sabbath-day  the  disciples  were  Disciples 
"an  hungred,"  so,  as  they  passed  through  the  field,  they  Ora^n.'"^ 
plucked  the  ears  of  grain,  called  corn,  and,  rubbing  them 
in  their  hands,  began  to  eat.  This  grain  was  not  our 
Indian  corn,  but  heads  of  wheat  or  barley.  There  were 
no  roads  as  we  have  them  now,  public  highways,  strongly 
fenced ;  but  often  the  road  or  pathway  led  through  the 
grain-fields,  and  it  was  not  regarded  as  trespassing  for 
the  traveler  to  pluck  the  heads  of  grain  for  his  own  sub- 
sistence, and,  while  the  law  forbade  one's  using  the  sickle 
on  the  Sabbath,  there  was  nothing  unlawful  about  pluck- 
ing what  was  necessary  for  food. 

The  restoration  "in  the  synagogue"  of  a  man  whose  Man  with 
"right  hand  was  withered"  is  also  recorded;  but  the  Hin^d^Re. 
deed  of  mercy  was  performed  on  the  Sabbath-day,  and  ^*°'"*<'-   ' 
called   forth   the   wrath  of   the   Pharisees,    who  sought 
"what  they  might  do  to  Jesus." 


As  you  enter  upon  the  week's  work,  endeavor  to 
impress  upon  your  memory  the  main  facts  of  the 
record  as  a  unit. 


STUDY  IX.— Second  Day. 

Eead  John  v,  and  consider  thoughtfully  the  further 
claim  of  Deity  by  Christ,  in  that  he  has  equal  creative 


72  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

and  quickening  power  with  the  Father,  and  full  "au- 
thority to  execute  judgment."  Notice  the  double  wit- 
ness of  the  Father  to  Christ,  («)  in  the  miracles  of  Christ, 
(b)  in  the  Scriptures. 

STUDY  IX.— Third  Day. 

Read  continuously  (at  one  reading)  John  i-v,  and 
write  in  the  Harmony  for  each  chapter  a  brief  chapter- 
name;  as,  1.  "First  Five  Disciples;"  2.  "Wedding, 
Temple." 

Suggestions   for   Map    "Work   and    References    for   the 
Harmony. 

Mark  on  the  map,  for  Jesus'  visit  to  Jerusalem,  one  common 
route  from  Capei'naum  to  Jerusalem,  and  another  for  the  re- 
turn, as  a  study  of  the  lines  of  travel. 

Harmony. — Study  IX.  Works  of  Mercy  and  Necessity  on 
the  Sabbath.  Matt,  xii,  1-14 ;  Mark  ii,  23— iii,  6 ;  Luke  vi,  1-11 ; 
John  V,  1-47. 

STUDY  IX.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  xii,  1-8.  Fix  carefully  in  mind  this  order. 
While  Matthew  probably  formed  a  collection  in  Aramaic 
^f  the  sayings  or  discourses  of  Christ  from  five  to  ten 
years  before  Mark's  Gospel  was  written,  our  present  Gos- 
pel of  Matthew  in  Greek  is  supposed  to  date  from  five  to 
ten  years  after  the  writing  of  Mark's  Gospel.  Notice  that 
the  Gospel  of  Matthew  is  far  less  chronological*  in  arrange- 
ment than  that  of  Mark.  It  largely  brings  together  the 
miracles  and  parables  in  groups,  and  gives  the  discourses 
without  reference  to  their  exact  place  in  the  history. 
Thus,  chapters  viii  and  ix  record  ten  principal  miracles ; 


*H.  G.  Weston  on  Matthew,  pp.  15-18. 


Early  Judean  and  Galilean  Ministry.     73 

chapter  xiii,  seven  parables;  and  chapter  xi,  just  pre- 
ceding to-day's  section,  portions  of  probably  two  or  three 
discourses.  It  is  thought  by  some  that  the  grouping  of 
the  material  in  this  way  was  made  for  the  convenience  of 
the  catechumens  (who  were  the  catechumens?)  in  early 
days,  who  were  accustomed  to  commit  the  Gospel  to 
memory. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  I,  460-471,  500;  II,  51-62;  Geikie  II,  86-102; 
Stalker,  100-101;  Andrews,  189-207,  255-262;  Farrar,  197-206, 
233-239. 

STUDY  IX.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  Mark  ii,  23-28,  fixing  the  principle  stated  in 
verse  27. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Olass-work. 

1.  Some  of  the  Gospel  proofs  of  the  Divinity  of  Christ.  John 
i,  1-4,  14-18;  Luke  i,  31-35;  Matt,  ii,  11;  iii,  17;  John  i,  34,  49; 
iii,  16,  35,  36;  Luke  iv,  41;  v,  20-25;  John  v,  17,  18,  21-26;  Matt, 
xii,  8;  Mark  iv,  39;  Matt,  xvi,  16;  Mark  ix,  7;  John  viii,  58; 
X,  30,  36;  Matt,  xxvi,  63;  xxviii,  17-20;  John  xx,  31. 

2.  The  Sabbath  according  to  the  Mosaic  law.  Concordance ; 
Oxford  Bible ;  Edersheim  II,  52,  56-58 ;  Geikie  I,  253. 

3.  Look  up  all  you  can  find  concerning  the  Talmud.  Bib. 
Diet. ;  Edersheim  I,  103,  104. 

4.  The  cereals  of  Palestine,     Hist.  Geo.  H.  L.,  83. 

STUDY  IX.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Luke  vi,  6-11,  and  compare  it  closely  with  the 
account  in  Matthew  and  Mark.  Note  Jesus'  "anger" 
(Mark  iii,  5),  as  defined  by  "grieved." 


74  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Questions  for  Written  Answers. 

1.  Give  a  list  of  the  gates  and  pools  at  Jerusalem,  locating 
them,  if  you  can,  by  a  diagram  of  the  city  walls.  Hast.  Bib. 
Diet.,  "Jerusalem." 

2.  Three  great  accusations  are  brought  against  Jesus  by  the 
Pharisees : 

(1)  Why  is  he  called  a  Sabbath-breaker?  Mark  i,  21-34, 
and  the  passages  for  this  week. 

(2)  Why  is  he  called  a  blasphemer?  Mark  ii,  6,  7;  John 
X,  30-38. 

(3)  Why  is  he  called  a  sinner?    Mark  ii,  16. 

3.  State  the  case  of  the  Christian  Lord's-day,  as  to  the  day, 
and  why  and  how  it  is  to  be  observed.  "  Ought  Christians  to 
keep  the  Sabbath?"    R.  A.  Torrey. 

STUDY  IX.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Jolin  v,  24. 

Eeview  the  events  covered  in  Part  III,  on  the  Early 
Judean  and  Galilean  Ministry. 

Personal  Thought. 

"  But  he  knew  their  thoughts." 
Do  I  realize  that  God  knows  my  inmost  thoughts  ? 
Eead  Ps.  xliv,  21;  Matt,  vi,  8;  2  Tim.  ii,  19;  Heb. 
iv,  12. 


PAET  lY. 
SECOND  PERIOD  OF  GALILEAN  MINISTRY. 


TENTH  "WEEK. 

TWELVE  APOSTLES  CHOSEN  —SERMON  ON 
THE  MOUNT. 


STUDY  X.— First  Day. 

The  fame  of  Jesus  had  now  so  increased  that  great  Christ's  wide. 

spread  Fame. 

multitudes  followed  him  from  Galilee,  Decapolis,  Jerusa- 
lem, Judea,  and  beyond  Jordan.  But  growing  popularity 
was  a  burden  to  him.  His  pointed  discourses,  unqualified 
denunciation  of  current  rabbinical  teaching,  and  numer- 
ous miracles  performed  on  the  Sabbath,  had  aroused  the 
hatred  of  the  entire  Jewish  Church.  Multitudes  came, 
but  not  always  to  profit  by  the  truth.  Many  followed  for 
no  other  purpose  than  to  entrap  and  overthrow  him.  It 
was  at  this  Juncture  that  two  new  features  entered  into 
his  work. 

First  he  chose  additional  attendants.     Many  have  fol-  Chooses  the 
lowed  him  as  disciples.    He  now  proposed  to  select  twelve 
apostles,  who  should  become  close  students  of  the  new 
kingdom  which  he  was  about  to  inaugurate.*    These  apos- 

*  Bruce,  The  Training  of  the  Twelve,  Chap.  IV;  Hastings,  Vol.  II, 
p.  614. 

75 


76  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

ties  were  appointed  by  Jesus  with  great  care,  "calling 
unto  him  whom  he  himself  would."  They  were  chosen 
as  far  as  possible  from  those  who  had  been  longest  with 
him,  and  were  known  to  be  most  trustworthy.  Not  all 
were  accepted  who  applied  for  an  apostleship.  In  Matt, 
viii,  19, "  There  came  a  scribe,  and  said  unto  him.  Master, 
I  will  follow  thee  whithersoever  thou  goest."  But  Jesus 
discouraged  him,  saying,  "The  foxes  have  holes,  and  the 
birds  of  the  heaven  have  nests ;  but  the  Son  of  man  hath 
not  where  to  lay  his  head."  Jesus  knew  this  man  was 
looking  for  an  easy  place,  but  that  no  such  place  could 
be  promised. 

We  do  not  know  just  where  the  selection  was  made, 
but,  after  spending  the  night  in  prayer  alone  in  a  moun- 
tain, Jesus  announced  the  names  of  the  apostles  in  pairs, 
having  chosen  for  each  his  companion:  Simon,  whom  he 
also  named  Peter,  and  Andrew,  his  brother;  James  and 
John ;  Philip  and  Bartholomew  (Nathanael) ;  Matthew 
(Levi)  and  Thomas;  James,  the  son  of  Alphaeus,  and 
Simon,  who  was  called  the  Zealot;  and  Judas  (Jude, 
Lebbeus,  Thaddeus),  the  son  of  James,  and  Judas  Isca- 
riot.  These  men  were  to  go  out  two  by  two,  with  au- 
thority, and  power  to  teach  and  preach,  and  perform 
miracles,  and  to  extend  the  kingdom  of  God.  By  them 
the  Apostolic  Church  was  to  be  organized,  and  much  of 
the  New  Testament  was  to  be  written.  It  was  a  surprise 
to  the  Jews  that  Jesus  selected  the  men  he  did  for  this 
work.  Not  a  single  Jewish  leader  was  commissioned, 
but  men  who  did  not  belong  to  the  influential  or  learned 
classes  were  chosen.  To  twelve  simple  men  from  the 
ranks  of  the  common  people  he  delivered  the  keys  of 
the  kingdom  of  God. 


Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry,     "jj 
Thus  far,  Jesus  had  taken  no  steps  toward  a  formal  ^^"^Tl""**." 

'  ^  the  Mount. 

and  open  separation  from  Judaism.  Now  he  proclaimed 
a  new  kingdom  to  be  founded  on  love  and  righteousness, 
whose  citizenship  should  be  open  to  all,  Jew  or  Gentile. 
Having,  at  Jerusalem  and  Capernaum,  unfolded  some- 
what fully  his  Messiahship,  in  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount, 
Jesus  announced  the  platform  of  the  kingdom  o^  God, 
and  delivered  an  inaugural  address.  The  occasion  was 
the  installation  of  the  twelve  apostles.  Doubtless,  some 
announcement  and  preparation  for  this  service  had  been 
made,  for  multitudes  were  there  from  Tyre  and  Sidon, 
and  from  Judea  and  Jerusalem.  The  place  where  this 
sermon  was  delivered  is  unknown.  Tradition  has  se- 
lected the  Horns  of  Hattin,  a  double-peaked  hill,  four 
miles  west  of  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  and  now  known  as  "the 
Mount  of  the  Beatitudes,"  as  best  fulfilling  the  conditions 
of  the  Gospel  record.* 

The  following  may  be  a  helpful  outline  of  the  Sermon  Outline  of 

Sermon. 

on  the  Mount : 

Outline  of  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount. 

Matt,  v-vii. 

Subject — The  Members  op  the  Kingdom  op  GoD.t 

1.  Their  Character.  v,    3-12 

2.  Their  Mission  in  the  World.  v,  13-16  ' 
8.  Their  Attitude  Toward  the   Law 

AND  the  Prophets.  v,  17-19 

4.  Their  Standard  op  Righteousness 
(in  contrast  with  that  of  the  scribes 
and  Pharisees,  and  with  the  teach- 
ings of  the  synagogue).  V,  20-48 


*  Andrews,  p.  269.      +  Hastings,  Vol.  II,  pp.  852,  853,  «21. 


78  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

5.  Thkir  Motives  (in  contrast  with 
those  of  the  hypocritical,  the  super- 
stitious, and  the  unforgiving).  vi,  1-18 

f  yj  19—34 

6.  Thbir  Relation  to  God.  j  ^j-   ^_^^ 

7.  Their  Relation  to  Men.  \  ^||'      ^2 

8.  Their  Threefold  Care  (to  find  the 
right  way,  to  beware  of  false  proph- 
ets, and  to  "do"  as  well  as  "hear" 

and  "say").  vii,  13-27 


No  labor  should  be  spared  in  fixing  in  the  mem- 
ory the  Scripture  material.  It  is  the  foundation  of 
all  future  zest  in  Bible  study. 


STUDY  X.— Second  Dair, 

Bead  Matt,  iv,  23-25,  and  xii,  15-21,  and  see  that 
Matthew  here  indicates  that  the  gospel  is  to  reach  out  to 
the  Gentiles.  The  new  Church  is  to  break  down  the  bar- 
riers of  race. 

STUDY  X.— Third  Day. 

Bead  Luke  vi,  12-19,  and  mark  how  the  prayer-life 
of  Christ  reveals  itself  in  every  important  crisis. 

Suggestions   for    Map   "Work   and   References    for   the 
Harmony. 

Outline  a  new  map,  and  mark  Christ's  course  from  Caper- 
naum to  the  Mount  of  Beatitudes. 

Harmony.— Part  IV.  Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry. 
— From  the  Choosing  of  the  Twelve  Until  the  Withdrawal  into 
Northern  Galilee.  Lesson  X.  Twelve  Apostles  Chosen.— Ser- 
mon on  the  Mount.  Matt,  iv,  23-25 ;  xii,  15-21 ;  v,  vi,  vii,  viii,  1 ; 
Mark  iii,  7-19 ;  Luke  vi,  12-49. 


Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.     79 

STUDY  X.— Foiirth  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  v,  and  outline  in  the  Harmony  the  several 
phases  of  life  to  which  the  new  standard  of  righteousness 
is  applied. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  I,  521-541 ;  Geikie  II,  38-85 ;  Stalker,  67-83 ;  An- 
drews, 265-274;  Farrar,  133-145;  Rhees,  sees.  136,  137. 

STUDY  X.— Fifth  Day. 
Eead  Matt.  vi. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Olass-'work. 

1.  The  authority  of  Jesus  as  Founder  and  Lawgiver  of  the 
kingdom  of  God.  Luke  v,  27;  John  v,  27;  Matt,  v,  20-22;  vii, 
23,  24,  29;  x,  37-39;  xii,  8;  xvi,  18,  19;  Mark  xi,  27-33;  Matt, 
xxiii,  10;  John  xxi,  22;  Matt,  xxviii,  18-20. 

2.  The  apostolic  band :  their  characteristics,  social  position, 
etc.    Bruce's  Training  of  the  Twelve. 

3.  Explain  Christ's  words  in  Matt,  v,  21-26. 

4.  Discuss  Christ's  words,  "Give  to  him  that  asketh  thee," 
in  connection  with  Paul's  words  in  2  Thess.  iii,  10. 

5.  The  meaning  and  modern  application  of  the  command, 
"If  thine  eye  oflfend  thee,  pluck  it  out." 

6.  The  reason  for  Christ's  strong  words  about  oaths.  Gei- 
kie II,  69.  70. 

STUDY  X.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  vii,  and  write  in  the  Harmony  an  outline 
of  the  relations  of  the  members  of  the  kingdom,  (a)  to 
God,  {b)  to  men. 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  Explain  Christ's  words  about  singleness  of  eye.  Matt. 
Ti,  22. 


8o  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 


2.  Explain,  "  Give  not  that  which  is  holy  unto  the  dogs." 
Does  Jesus  here  refer  to  men  who  are  social  outcasts  ? 

3.  What  is  the  Christian  attitude  toward  teachers  who  are 
suspected  of  heresy  ?    Reconcile  Matt,  vii,  1,  and  vii,  15-20. 

4.  AYhat  was  the  attitude  of  Jesus  toward  the  Old  Testa- 
ment ?  Its  great  moral  principles  ?  Its  ceremonial  require- 
ments? Broadus,  American  Commentary,  Matt,  v,  17-26; 
Rhees,  sec.  232,  233. 

STUDY  X.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Matt,  v,  3-13. 

Memorize  the  outline  of  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount, 
or  prepare  your  own  outline  and  memorize  it. 

Personal  Thought. 

"Every  one  which  heareth  these  words  of  mine  and 
doeth  them,  shall  be  likened  unto  a  wise  man,  which 
built  his  house  upon  the  rock." 

On  what  am  I  building  my  life  and  work  ?  On  rock 
or  sand  ? 

Read  1  Cor.  iii,  10-15. 


PART  rV,— ELEVENTH  "WEEK. 

CAPEENAUM  TO  NAIN  —JOHN  THE  BAPTIST'S 
LAST   MESSAGE. 


STUDY  XI.— First  Day. 

After  delivering  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount  and  in- 
stalling the  twelve  disciples,  Jesus  returned  to  Caper- 
naum. 

Here  first  he  cured  the  centurion's  servant.  A  cer-  cureofCen- 
tain  centurion's  faithful  servant  whom  he  loved  was  sick  gn*^**"  * 
and  at  the  point  of  death,  and  the  officer  sent  to  Jesus 
that  his  servant  might  be  healed.  But  before  Jesus 
reached  the  house  the  centurion  met  him  and  said:  "I 
am  not  worthy  that  thou  shouldest  come  under  my  roof: 
but  only  say  the  word,  and  my  servant  shall  be  healed." 
This  centurion  was  the  commander  of  a  company  of  one 
hundred  men  in  the  army  of  Herod  Antipas,*  Tetrarcli 
of  Galilee.  He  was  also  a  Gentile,  and  probably  a  Eoman. 
When  Jesus  heard  his  words  he  marveled  and  said: 
"  Yerily  I  say  unto  you,  I  have  not  found  so  great  faith, 
no,  not  in  Israel.  .  .  .  And  the  servant  was  healed  in 
that  hour." 

"And  it  came  to  pass  soon  afterwards,  that  he  went  visit  to  Nain. 
to  a  city  called  Nain;   and  his  disciples  went  with  him, 


♦Andrews,  p.  274. 

6  81 


82  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

and  a  great  multitude."  Nain  was  a  small,  uninviting 
city  some  twenty-five  miles  southwest  of  Capernaum. 
All  that  remains  of  it  to-day  are  a  few  wood  and  stone 
houses  with  low  doorways,  scattered  here  and  there  over 
the  ruins  of  what  was  once  a  city  with  walls  and  gates. 
Picture,  if  you  can,  the  sensation  produced  by  Jesus 
and  the  large  company  which  followed  him,  as  they 
traveled  those  twenty-five  miles  that  spring  day.  ' '  When 
he  drew  near  to  the  gate  of  the  city,  behold,  there  was 
carried  out  one  that  was  dead,  the  only  son  of  his  mother, 
and  she  was  a  widow:  and  much  people  of  the  city  were 
with  her."  Something  about  the  death  seemed  to  have 
aroused  the  sympathy  of  the  whole  town.  For  some 
reason  Jesus  was  also  touched  by  the  sight.  "And  when 
the  Lord  saw  her,  he  had  compassion  on  her,  and  said 
unto  her.  Weep  not."  Then  he  did  a  most  unusual  thing, 
which  no  other  rabbi  in  the  land  would  do.  "  He  touched 
the  bier  .  .  .  and  said,  Young  man,  I  say  unto  thee,  Arise. 
And  he  that  was  dead  sat  up,  and  began  to  speak." 
This  was  not  the  first  time  the  dead  had  been  raised  in 
the  vicinity  of  Nain.  Not  far  distant,  Elisha  had  raised 
the  only  son  of  the  Shunammite,  and  the  plain  of 
Jezreel  beneath  had  been  the  scene  of  the  greatest 
events  in  the  life  of  Elijah. 
John  the  Bap-  For  six  months  or  more  that  good  man,  John  the 
tisfsQues-  Baptist,  had  been  in  prison,  every  day  expecting  violent 
death,  but  Antipas  had  not  determined  what  his  fate 
should  be.  During  those  awful  months  many  questions 
had  arisen  in  John's  mind  concerning  the  work  of  Jesus. 
He  had  seen  the  Spirit  descend  upon  him,  and  had  heard 
a  voice  from  heaven  saying,  "This  is  my  beloved  Son, 
in  whom  I  am  well  pleased,"  and  John  wondered  what 


Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.     83 

Jesus  had  been  doing.  So  he  called  "two  of  his  dis- 
ciples and  sent  them  to  the  Lord,  saying,  Art  thou  he 
that  Cometh,  or  look  we  for  another  ?  And  when  the 
men  were  come  unto  him,  they  said,  John  the  Baptist 
hath  sent  us  unto  thee,  saying,  Art  thou  he  that  cometh, 
or  look  we  for  another  ?  In  that  hour  he  cured  many 
of  diseases  and  plagues  and  evil  spirits;  and  on  many 
that  were  blind  he  bestowed  sight."  Jesus  sent  back 
word,  "  Go  your  way,  and  tell  John  what  things  ye 
have  seen  and  heard;  the  blind  receive  their  sight,  the 
lame  walk,  the  lepers  are  cleansed,  and  the  deaf  hear, 
the  dead  are  raised  up,  the  poor  have  good  tidings 
preached  to  them.  And  blessed  is  he  whosoever  shall 
find  none  occasion  of  stumbling  in  me."  These  mes- 
sengers having  departed,  Jesus  began  to  preach  to  the 
people,  taking  John  the  Baptist  as  his  text. 


If  possible,  do  not  leave  the  lesson  until  you  have 
learned  to  tell  it  vividly  in  your  own  language. 


STUDY  XI.— Second  Day. 

Read  Luke  vii,  1-10,  and  again  note  how  Luke  gives 
the  kindly  human  feelings  and  personal  relations. 

STUDY  XI.— Third  Day. 

Read  Matt,  viii,  5-13,  and  contrast  it  with  Luke's 
account,  as  less  colored  by  human  sympathies.  Matthew 
and  Mark  have  been  called  "official"  Gospels;*  Luke 
and  John  "  personal  "  Gospels.    Observe  in  verses  11,  12, 


•"Westou  ou  Matthew,  pp.  29-.%. 


84  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Jesus'  recognition  of  the  readiness  of  the  Gentiles,  as 
illustrated  by  the  centurion,  to  receive  the  kingdom,  as 
compared  with  the  Jews. 

Suggestions   for   Map  Work    and    References    for   the 
Harmony. 

Indicate  on  the  map  Jesus'  return  to  Capernaum  from  the 
Mount  of  Beatitudes,  followed  by  his  tour  to  Nain,  and  perhaps 
other  places,  and  return  to  Capernaum. 

Harmony. —  Study  XI.  Capernaum  to  Nain. — John  the 
Baptist's  Last  Message.  Matt,  viii,  5-13 ;  xi,  2-19 ;  Luke 
vii,  1-35. 

STUDY  XI.— Fourth  Day. 

Eead  Luke  vii,  11-17,  and  mark  once  more  the 
gentleness  and  considerateness  that  breathe  through 
this  Gospel. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  I,  542-560,  666-671;  Geikie  II,  103-112;  An- 
drews, 274-280 ;   Farrar,  147-157. 

STUDY  XI.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  xi,  2-19.  Picture  the  thoughts  of  John 
the  Baptist,  languishing  in  prison,  while  Jesus  is  passing 
through  the  most  popular  period  in  his  ministry.*  Eead 
again  that  profound  utterance  of  John  the  Baptist, 
found  in  John  iii,  30. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Glass-work. 

1.  The  tenderness  of  Jesus.  Mark  i,  40-41;  Matt,  xi,  28; 
Luke  vii,  12,  15,  41-50;  viii,  41,  42,  49,  50;  Matt,  ix,  86;  Luke 
xiii,  10-13 ;  xiv,  13,  14 ;  xviii,  5-17 ;  John  xi,  35 ;  xix,  26-37. 


*  Edersheim,  Vol.  I,  pp.  66ft-«68. 


Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.      85 

2.  The  custom  of  burial  among  the  Jews.  Oxford  Bible; 
Edersheim  I,  554;  Bib.  Diet. 

3.  Why  did  John  deny  that  he  was  Elijah  (John  i,  21),  and 
Jesus  assert  that  he  was?    Matt,  xi,  14. 

4.  What  did  Jesus  mean  when  he  said,  "The  kingdom  of 
heaven  sufifereth  violence,  and  the  men  of  violence  take  it 
by  force  ?" 

5.  Meaning  in  its  connection  of:  "And  wisdom  is  justified 
of  all  her  children."     Luke  vii,  35. 

STUDY  XI.— Sixth  Day. 

Eead  Luke  vii,  18-35,  and  try  to  answer  the  ques- 
tion why  Jesus  should  not  have  sent  a  more  feeling 
message  to  John.* 

Consider  deeply  the  consequences  which  flowed  from 
the  attitude  stated  in  Luke  vii,  30;  (a)  to  John,  (b)  to 
Jesus,  (c)  to  these  leading  classes,  (_d)  to  the  Jewish 
nation,  f 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  What  generous  thing  had  the  centurion  done  ?  Luke 
vii,  2-9. 

2.  Why  did  he  count  himself  unworthy  to  have  Christ 
come  to  his  home  ? 

3.  How  shall  we  adjust  the  accounts  of  Matthew  and  Luke 
as  to  the  personal  interview  of  the  centurion  with  Christ  ? 
Edersheim  I,  544,  and  commentaries  and  location. 

4.  Why  would  no  rabbi  touch  a  dead  person  ?  Num.  xix ; 
Edersheim  I,  557. 

5.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  statement  in  the  latter  part 
of  Luke  vii,  28?    Consult  Luke  xvi,  18. 


*  Edersheim,  Vol.  I,  p.  66;  Andrews,  p.  279;  Hastings,  Vol.  II,  p.  615. 
+  Andrews,  p.  280. 


86  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  XI —Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Matt,  xi,  5,  6. 

Review  what  you  have  learned  of  the  distinctive 
features  of  the  four  Gospels. 

Personal  Thought. 

"A  bruised  reed  shall  he  not  break,  and  smoking  flax 
shall  he  not  quench."  How  much  do  I  owe  in  my  life 
to  the  tender  spirit  and  gentle  dealing  of  Christ  with 
me  ?  What  instances  can  I  recall  of  God's  Icng-suf- 
f  ering  with  me  and  his  watch  care  over  me  ?  Eead 
Psalm  ciii,  13,  14. 


PART  IV.— TWELFTH  "WEEK, 

AT    CAPEKNAUM— SINFUL   WOMAN    FORGIVEN 
—SCRIBES  AND  PHARISEES  WARNED. 


STUDY  XII.— First  Day. 

It  is  thought  by  some  that  the  statements  of  Luke  Return  Jour- 

ney,  orAn- 

viii,  1,  respecting  Jesus,  that  he  went  about  "through  other  Tour. 

cities   and  villages,   preaching   and    bringing    the   good 

tidings  of  the  kingdom  of  God,"  refer  to  what  happened 

on  the  return  journey  from  Nain,     We  are  inclined  to 

the  view  that  Jesus  first  returned   to  Capernaum,  and 

that  Luke  here  refers  to  another  tour,*  of  Avhich  we  have 

only  the  further  fact  given  that  there  were  "with  him 

the  twelve,  and  certain  women  which  had  been  healed 

of    evil   spirits   and   infirmities,    Mary,   that   was   called 

Magdalene,  from  whom  seven  devils  had  gone  out,  and 

Joanna  the  wife  of  Chuza,  Herod's  steward,  and  Susanna, 

and  many  others,  which  ministered  unto  them  of  their 

substance." 

The   anointing  of  Jesus  by   the    sinful   woman   may  The  Anoint* 
also  have  occurred  at  Nain  or  in  some  other  city  visited  s,nfu'^  ^^ 
before  the  return  to   Capernaum,  but  the  latter  place  "**"• 
appears  the  more  probable  location  of  this  event.* 

It  is  stated  that  "  one  of  the  Pharisees  desired  him 
that  he  would  eat  with  him.  And  he  entered  into  the 
Pharisee's  house,  and  sat  down  to  meat.     And  behold, 

*  Andrews,  p.  281. 

87 


88  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

a  woman  which  was  in  the  city,  a  sinner;  and  when  she 
knew  that  he  was  sitting  at  meat  in  the  Pharisee's  house, 
she  brought  an  alabaster  cruse  of  ointment,  and  standing 
behind  at  his  feet,  weeping,  she  began  to  wet  his  feet 
with  her  tears,  and  wiped  them  with  the  hairs  of  her 
head,  and  kissed  his  feet,  and  anointed  them  with  the 
ointment."  According  to  Oriental  etiquette,  a  visitor, 
upon  entering  the  house,  left  shoes  or  sandals  at  the 
door,  and  the  master  of  the  house  extended  formal  wel- 
come, saying,  "  The  Lord  be  with  you,"  and  kissed 
his  guest  on  the  cheek.  Then  a  servant  brought  water 
and  washed  the  feet  and  anointed  the  head  and  beard 
with  fragrant  oil.  Though  Simon  had  invited  the  pres- 
ence of  Christ  in  his  home,  all  these  courtesies  seem  to 
have  been  neglected  by  him.  The  entrance  of  the  sin- 
ful but  deeply  penitent  woman  was  perhaps  unnoticed 
till  her  tears  fell  upon  the  feet  of  Jesus  as  he  reclined 
at  the  table.  Probably  in  her  embarrasment  she  began 
to  wipe  away  the  tears  with  her  hair,  the  act  being 
wholly  unpremeditated,  as  her  real  purpose  was  the 
anointing  which  followed.  But  nothing  was  ever  more 
acceptable  to  Christ  than  such  a  spontaneous  expression 
of  love,  though  coming  from  a  social  outcast.  When, 
therefore,  the  Pharisee  in  his  thoughts  raised  the  ques- 
tion of  his  guest's  prophetic  insight  in  even  permitting 
the  touch  of  the  contrite  woman,  Jesus  proceeds  to  draw 
a  most  pointed  contrast  between  her  spirit  and  that  of 
Simon  himself,  and  gave  her  the  thrice-uttered  assur- 
ance of  her  forgiveness:  "Her  sins,  which  are  many, 
are  forgiven;  for  she  loved  much.  .  .  .  And  he  said 
unto  her.  Thy  sins  are  forgiven.  .  .  .  Thy  faith  hath 
saved  thee;  go  in  peace." 


Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.     89 


After  the  above  incident,  Jesus  healed  a  demoniac  Scribes  and 
who  was  blind  and  dumb.  It  was  upon  this  occasion  warned!* 
that  the  slumbering  hatred  of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees 
burst  forth  in  an  explanation  of  Christ's  miraculous 
power  that  did  violence  to  reason,  and  revealed  in  them 
a  fatal  depth  of  malignant  wickedness.  Unwilling  to 
acknowledge  his  Divinity  and  maddened  by  the  words  of 
the  multitude,  '^s  this  the  son  of  David  ?"— that  is,  the 
Messiah — they  said,  "By  Beelzebub  the  prince  of  the 
devils  casteth  he  out  devils."  Jesus  made  answer,  "If 
Satan  casteth  out  Satan,  he  is  divided  against  himself; 
how  then  shall  his  kingdom  stand  ?"  Then  he  accused 
them  of  having  committed  an  eternal  and  unpardonable 
sin,  and  proceeded  to  pass  judgment  upon  them,  say- 
ing: "Therefore,  I  say  unto  you.  Every  sin  and  blas- 
phemy shall  be  forgiven  unto  men ;  but  the  blasphemy 
against  the  Spirit  shall  not  be  forgiven.  And  whosoever 
shall  speak  a  word  against  the  Son  of  man,  it  shall  be 
forgiven  him;  but  whosoever  shall  speak  against  the 
Holy  Spirit,  it  shall  not  be  forgiven  him,  neither  in  this 
world,  nor  in  that  which  is  to  come."  And  in  response 
to  their  demand  for  a  sign,  he  declared,  "The  men  of 
Nineveh  shall  stand  up  in  the  judgment  with  this  gen- 
eration and  shall  condemn  it." 


"  Meditate  on  these  things.     Give  thyself  wholly 
to  them." 


STUDY  XII.— Second  Day. 

Eead  Luke  vii,  36-50,   and  notice  how  fully  Luke 
has  given  us  the  Gospel  of  the  humble  and  despised,  of 


90  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

the  weak  and  unworthy.  It  is  peculiarly  the  Gospel  of 
hope  and  tolerance  for  those  who  have  sinned  and  failed, 
but  who  are  repentant.* 

STUDY  XII.— Third  Day. 

Read  Luke  viii,  1-3;  xi,  27,  28,  and  note  that  Luke 
is  also  the  Gospel  of  womanhood.  The  word  for 
"woman"  occurs  in  Luke  nearly  as  often  as  in  both 
Matthew  and  Mark  together.* 

Suggestions    for   Map    "Work   and    References    for   the 
Harmony. 

Place  on  your  map  Magdala,  the  town  of  Mary  Magdalene. 

Harmony. —  Study  XII.  At  Capernaum. —  Sinful  Woman 
Forgiven. — Scribes  and  Pharisees  Warned.  Matt,  xii,  22-45; 
Mark  ill,  20-30;  Luke  vii,  36— viii,  3;  xi,  14-36. 

STUDY  XII.— Fourth  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  xii,  22-45.  "  Language  is  not  only  the 
exponent  of  character,  but  it  performs  a  most  impor- 
tant part  in  making  character.  The  young  man  who 
has  never  spoken  an  impure  word  has  done  a  great  deal 
to  form  a  pure  character."! 

Q-eneral  References. 

Edersheim  I,  561-576;  II,  197-208;  Geikie  II,  115-137; 
Stalker,  98-101;   Andrews,  281-290;   Farrar,   157-162,  246-250. 

STUDY  XII.— Fifth  Day. 

Eead  Mark,  iii,  19-21,  and  seek  to  measure  the 
strength  of  Jesus  in  calmly  meeting  at  this  time  the 


*  The  Messages  of  the  Books,  pp.  81-«7;  Hastings  on  Luke. 
+  "Weston  on  Matthew,  pp.  81,  82. 


Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.     91 

mistaken  ideas  and  unbelief  of  his  relatives  as  well  as 
the  bitter  accusations  of  his  enemies. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-'work. 

1.  The  Messiahship  of  Jesus.  Matt,  ii,  4;  John  i,  25-30, 
40,  41 ;  iv,  29 ;  v,  37,  36,  39 ;  Matt,  xii,  23 ;  xvi,  16 ;  xxi,  9, 15,  16 ; 
Mark  xiv,  61,  62. 

2.  The  social  position  and  religious  views  of  the  scribes  and 
Pharisees.     Bdersheim  I,  93 ;  Bib.  Diet. 

3.  The  social  privileges  of  women  among  the  Jews.  Bib. 
Diet.,  "  Women." 

4.  What  is  the  unpardonable  sin  ?  See  commentaries  on 
Matt,  xii,  31;  Mark  iii,  28;  Heb.  vi,  3-8. 

5.  Eeconcile  by  reference  to  context,  He  that  is  not  with 
me  is  against  me  (Luke  xi,  23),  and  He  that  is  not  against  us 
is  for  us.    Luke  x,  50. 

6.  Explain  parable  of  the  unclean  Spirit.     Matt,  xii,  43-45. 

STUDY  Xn.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Luke  xi,  33-36,  and  weigh  our  responsibility 
for  all  spiritual  light  received. 

Questions  for  Written  Answers. 

1.  Describe  the  custom  of  reclining  at  the  table,  and  draw 
a  diagram,  showing  arrangement  of  table  and  couches.  Eder- 
sheim  II,  207;  Bib.  Diet.,  "Meals." 

2.  Write  down  a  list  of  the  women  thus  far  mentioned  by 
Luke. 

3.  How  did  the  Pharisees  account  for  Jesus'  miracles  ? 

4.  What  was  the  current  belief  concerning  Beelzebub? 
Oxford  Bible ;  Bib.  Diet. ;  Edersheim  II,  201 ;  I,  648. 

5.  What  is  meant  by  speaking  words  against  the  Holy 
Spirit  ? 

6.  What  is  meant  by  every  "idle"  word,  in  Matt,  xii,  36? 


92  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  XII.— Seventh  Day. 
Memorize  Luke  xi,  34-35. 
Review  the  events  of  Lessons  in  Part  IV  up  to  date. 

Personal  Thought. 

"And  I  say  unto  you,  that  every  idle  word  that  men 
shall  speak,  they  shall  give  account  thereof  in  the  day 
of  judgment.  Jfor  by  thy  words  thou  shalt  be  justified, 
and  by  thy  words  thou  shalt  be  condemned."  Do  I  con- 
sider the  character  and  effect  of  my  words  ?  Read 
James  iii,  3-18. 


PART  IV.— THIRTEENTH  TVBBK. 

AT  CAPEKNAUM  —TRUE  KINDRED  OF  CHRIST. 
—BEGINNING  OF  PARABLES. 


STUDY  XIII.— First  Day. 

Immediately  after  Jesus'  reply  to  the  scribes  and  Phar-  The  True 
isees,  considered  in  the  last  lesson,  "there  came  to  him  christ. 
his  mother  and  his  brethren,  and  they  could  not  come  at 
him  for  the  crowd."  When  they  sent  word  to  him  that 
they  desired  to  speak  with  him,  he  checked  their  evident 
purpose  to  interfere  with  him  in  doing  his  Father's  work, 
"and  said  unto  him  that  told  him,  Who  is  my  mother? 
and  who  are  my  brethren  ?  And  he  stretched  forth  his 
hand  toward  his  disciples,  and  said,  Behold,  my  mother 
and  my  brethren !  For  whosoever  shall  do  the  will  of  my 
Father  which  is  in  heaven,  he  is  my  brother,  and  sister, 
and  mother." 

The  same  day,  by  the  seaside,  Jesus  began  the  para-  The  Begin- 

bles — a  new  form  of  teaching,  which  doubtless  marked  an  bies.** 

advance  step  in  his  ministry.     This  method  of  making 

plain  the  subjects  of  discourse  had  been  used  more  or  less 

since  the  days  of  the  Judges  (Judges  ix,  7),  and  was  in 

constant  use  among  the  Rabbis;  but  Jesus  is  so  far  to 

transcend   all  other   users   of   it  that  he  may  justly  be 

called  the  creator  of  this  form  of  instruction.     "Nothing 

was  henceforth  left  unused.    The  light,  the  darkness,  the 

93 


94  Studies  in  the   Life  of  Christ. 

houses  around,  the  games  of  childhood,  the  sightless  way- 
side beggar,  the  foxes  of  the  hills,  the  leathern  bottles 
hung  from  every  rafter,  the  patched  or  new  garment,  and 
even  the  noisy  hen  amidst  her  chickens,  served,  in  turn, 
to  illustrate  some  lofty  truth.  The  sower  on  the  hillside, 
the  gaudy  weeds  among  the  corn,  the  common  mustard- 
plant,  the  leaven  in  the  woman's  dough,  the  treasure  dis- 
closed by  the  passing  plowshare,  the  pearl  brought  by 
the  traveling  merchant  from  distant  lands,  for  sale  at 
Bethsaida  or  Tiberias,  the  draw-net  seen  daily  on  the 
lake,  the  pitiless  servant,  the  laborers  in  the  vineyard, — 
these,  and  other  details  of  every-day  life,  were  elevated  to 
be  the  vehicle  of  the  sublimest  lessons."     (Geikie.) 

Christ        "When  Jesus  called  the  four  from  their  fishing-nets 
Teaches  from 

a  Boat,  near  Capernaum,  he  entered  into  a  boat  which  he  used  as 

a  pulpit;  and  now,  when  he  would  introduce  the  parable, 
he  entered  again  into  a  boat,  and,  pushing  out  from  the 
shore,  delivered  his  first  five  parables.  Later  in  the  day 
he  delivered  three  more  parables  to  the  disciples  privately. 
His  surroundings  were  exceedingly  suggestive  for  par- 
abolic teaching.  Before  him  lay  the  seaside  with  its 
boats  and  fish  and  nets,  and  not  far  distant  could  be  seen 
the  fields  where  the  sower  was  casting  the  seed.  These 
scenes  were  most  familiar  to  the  people  whom  he  ad- 
dressed. Jesus,  therefore,  called  attention  to  the  sower, 
saying,  "  Behold,  the  sower  went  forth  to  sow;  and  as  he 
sowed,  some  seeds  fell  by  the  way  side,  and  the  birds  came 
and  devoured  them :  and  others  fell  upon  rocky  places, 
where  they  had  not  much  earth;  and  straightway  they 
sprang  up,  .  .  .  and  when  the  sun  was  risen,  they  were 
scorched;  .  .  .  and  others  fell  upon  the  thorns;  and  the 
thorns  grew  up,  and  choked  them:  and  others  fell  upon 


Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.     95 

the  good  ground,  and  yielded  fruit,  some  a  hundred-fold, 
some  sixty,  some  thirty."  The  disciples  seem  to  have 
been  surprised  that  he  should  speak  in  parables,  and 
asked,  "  Why  speakest  thou  unto  them  in  parables  ?  And 
he  answered  and  said  unto  them,  Unto  you  it  is  given 
to  know  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  but 
to  them  it  is  not  given.  .  .  .  Therefore,  speak  I  to 
them  in  parables ;  because  seeing  they  see  not,  and  hear- 
ing they  hear  not,  neither  do  they  understand."  After 
interpreting  this  parable  of  the  sower,  Jesus  at  once  pro- 
ceeded to  deliver  four  others :  the  wheat  and  tares,  the 
mustard-seed,  the  leaven,  and  the  seed  growing  secretly, 
recorded  in  Mark  iv. 

Jesus  now  sent  the  multitude  away,  and,  having  en-  Sends  th« 
tered  into  a  house,  the  disciples  came  to  him  and  asked  rway!""^ 
the  interpretation  of  the  parable  of  the  tares  and  the 
wheat.  After  complying  with  the  request,  Jesus  declared 
three  other  parables  to  them  also.  The  first  was  the 
hidden  treasure;  the  second,  the  pearl  of  great  price; 
and  the  third,  the  draw-net.  "When  Jesus  began  to 
speak  that  day,  the  disciples  were  troubled  to  know  what 
the  new  method  of  instruction  by  parables  might  mean; 
but  at  the  close  of  the  day's  teaching  they  seem  to  have 
agreed  that  the  thought  running  through  them  was  ex- 
ceedingly deep.  In  the  closing  parables  they  were 
taught  that  the  business  they  were  engaged  in  was,  after 
all,  the  supreme  business  of  life,  and  that  they  were  in- 
deed in  search  of  the  pearl  of  great  price. 


No  exercise  for  this  week  could  be  better  than 
a  preparation  for  telling  these  parables  to  a  little 
child. 


96  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  XIII.— Second  Day. 

Eead  Mark  iii,  31-35.  "Looking  round  about  on 
them  which  sat  round  about  him."  We  are  to  think  of 
Jesus  as  seated  as  he  taught  or  preached,  according  to 
the  custom  of  that  day,  and  his  disciples  as  here  also  sit- 
ting about  him,  and  at  these  he  looks  and  points.* 

STUDY  XIII.— Third  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  xiii,  1-9,  18-30,  36-43;  Mark  iv,  26-29. 
These  three  parables  relate  to  the  sowing,  growing,  and 
gathering  of  grain.  Try  to  arrange  in  your  mind  the 
main  points  which  they  cover  when  applied  to  the  king- 
dom of  God. 

Suggestions    for   Map   "Work   and    References    for   the 
Harmony. 

Rapidly  go  over  the  journeys  of  Jesus,  on  the  maps  you 
have  made,  from  his  birth  to  the  time  of  this  lesson. 

Harmony. — Study  XIII. — At  Capernaum. — True  Kindred 
of  Christ. — Beginning  of  Parables.  Matt,  xii,  46 — xiii,  53 ;  Mark 
iii,  31— iv,  34;  Luke  viii,  4-21. 

STUDY  XIII.— Fourth  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  xiii,  31-33,  and  note  that  these  two  brief 
parables  show  the  extensive  and  the  intensive  growth  of 
the  kingdom  from  very  small  beginnings.  The  briefest 
parable  in  statement,  verse  33,  is  fullest  in  suggestion, 
and  gives  almost  the  whole  method  and  secret  of  the 
success  of  the  kingdom,  f 


*Gelkle,  Vol.  II,  p.  127;  Meyer  on  Matthew,  p.  249. 

t  Bruce,  The  Parabolic  Teaching  of  Christ,  pp.  106-116. 


Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.     97 

General  References. 

Edersheim  I,  576-598;  Geikie  II,  138,  139,  144-149;  Stalker, 
69-71 ;  Andrews,  290-295 ;  Fai-rar,  250,  251,  171-174. 

STUDY  XIII.— Fifth  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  xiii,  44-50,  giving  the  three  parables 
spoken  to  the  disciples. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-work. 

1.  Jesus'  knowledge  and  use  of  nature  in  illustration  and 
appeal.  John  iii,  8;  iv,  35-38;  Luke  v,  10;  v,  36-39;  Matt,  v, 
15;  vi,  26-30;  Luke  vi,  43,44;  vii,32;  Matt,  xiii ;  xvi,2,  3;  John 
X,  1-5;  Luke  xii,  6;  xiii,  34;  xv;  Mark  x,  25;  Matt,  xx,  1-16; 
John  XV,  1-8. 

2.  What  is  a  parable,  and  what  is  its  value  ?  Had  parables 
been  much  used  before  Christ?  Sanday;  Hast.  Bib.  Diet., 
"Jesus  Christ,"  II,  617. 

3.  Are  we  to  infer  that  Christ  refused  to  see  his  kindred  ? 

4.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  parable  about  the  scribe? 
(Matt,  xii,  52.) 

STUDY  XIII.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  xii,  10-17,  34,  35,  51,  62;  Luke  viii, 
16-18,  and  see  that  the  parables  are  used  to  sift  and 
separate  the  true-hearted  hearers  and  disciples  from  the 
wicked  opposers,  before  whom  Christ  will  not  now  cast 
the  pearls  of  truth  in  plain  statement.  The  parables  of 
Jesus  are  a  masterly  response  to  conditions  of  opposition 
and  unreceptiveness  in  his  hearers.* 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  Had  Jesus  used  parables  before  this  ? 

2.  How  many  parables  does  he  deliver  on  this  occasion  ? 
How  many  to  the  disciples  privately  ? 

TTT  *^'l?o^S,^*™'  ^°^-  ^'  PP-579,  580;  Hastings,  Vol.  II,  pp.  617, 618;  Vol. 

Ill,  pp.  DOJ-OOO. 


98  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

3.  What  is  the  teaching  of  the  parable  of  the  sower  ?  The 
wlieat  and  tares  ?  Tlie  seed  growing  secretly  ?  The  mustard- 
seed  ?    The  leaven  ? 

4.  "What  impression  did  these  parables  seem  to  make  on  the 
multitude,  and  on  the  disciples? 

STUDY  XIII.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Luke  viii,  15. 

Carefully  weigh  these  points  from  Bruce's  Parabolic 
Teacliing  of  Christ.  Christ  was  a  Master  or  Eabbi,  an 
Evangelist,  and  a  Prophet.  The  parables  may  be  placed 
in  three  groups,  corresponding  to  these  three  phases  of 
Christ's  ministry:  First,  the  theoretic  parables,  contain- 
ing the  general  truth  concerning  the  kingdom  of  God; 
second,  the  evangelic  parables,  sQjtting  forth  the  Divine 
goodness  and  grace;  third,  the  prophetic  parables,  pro- 
claiming the  righteousness  of  God,  and  his  rewards  to 
men  according  to  their  works.  .  .  .  Most  of  Matthew's 
parables  belong  to  the  first  and  third  groups;  most  of 
Luke's  to  the  second. 

Others  would  find  the  key  to  the  groups  of  parables 
more  in  the  changing  outward  conditions  of  Christ's 
ministry,  but  they  reach  a  similar  result :  The  parables  of 
the  kingdom ;  the  parables  of  grace ;  and  the  parables  of 
warning,  or  judgment. 

Personal  Thought. 

"For  whosoever  hath,  to  him  shall  be  given;  and 
whosoever  hath  not,  from  him  shall  be  taken  away  even 
that  which  he  thinketh  he  hath." 

Have  I  a  receptive  spirit,  so  that  Christ  can  reveal  his 
truth  to  me,  or  am  I  thinking  that  I  have  now  a  sufficient 
knowledge  of  spiritual  thin<7s  ? 

Eead  1  Cor.  x,  12;  Phil,  iii,  12-14. 


PART  IV.— FOURTEENTH  "WEEK. 

VISIT  TO  GERGESA  —TEMPEST  STILLED  — 
DEMONIACS  CURED. 


STUDY  XIV.— First  Day. 

The   events  of  this  lesson  follow  immediately  upon  Departure  for 
those  of  the  one  iust  concluded.     "On  that  day,  when  '*•«  East*™ 

1-1  T  Shore. 

even  was  come,  he  saith  unto  them,  Let  us  go  over  unto 
the  other  side."  After  the  long  day  of  teaching  in 
parables,  Jesus  still  "saw  great  multitudes  about  him," 
and,  needing  relief  from  the  strain  of  the  work,  he  gave 
commandment  to  the  disciples  that  they  should  set  out 
for  the  eastern  shore  of  the  lake.  They  required  no  sec- 
ond word,  but,  "leaving  the  multitude,  they  take  him 
with  them,  even  as  he  was,  in  the  boat." 

So  unexpected  was  their  departure  from  Capernaum  stilling  the 
that  they  may  not  have  noted  the  signs  of  an  approach-  ^^'"'»«®'* 
ing   storm;   or    the   changeful    atmosphere   of    the    de- 
pressed basin  of  Lake  Galilee  may  have  been  still  in  the 
early  evening,  but  powerfully  disturbed  later  on  by  the 
downrushing  of  winds  through  the  gorges  of  the  eastern 
shore,  to  which  they  were  going,  so  that  the  sudden 
tempest   struck   them  full  in  front  amid  the  darkness. 
"What  a   contrast  between   the  commotion  of  wind  and 
wave  and  the  alarm  of  even  these  hardy  boatmen,  and 
the  calm  rest  of  Christ,  asleep,  as  Slark  in  his  graphic 
way  makes  us  see,  with  his  head  "on  the  cushion,"  or 
leathern  seat  of  the  steersman !     The  scene  gives  us  an 
impressson  of  the  inner  quietude  of  Jesus  in  the  midst 
of  all  the  outward  agitation  and  conflicts  of  his  life. 
At  length,  as  "they  were  filling  with  water,  and  were  in 
jeopardy,"  the  disciples  "  came  to  him,  and  awoke  him, 
saying.  Master,  master,  we  perish.     And  he  awoke,  and 
rebuked  the  wind  and  the  raging  of  the  water :  and  they 


loo        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

ceased,  and  there  was  a  calm."  "When  the  company  with 
him  had  recovered  from  their  fright,  and  saw  what  he 
had  done,  "they  marveled,  saying  one  to  another,  Who 
then  is  this,  that  he  commandeth  even  the  winds  and  the 
water,  and  they  obey  him  ?" 
Arrival  at        "And  they  arrived  at  the  country  of  the  Gerasenes, 

orOerasa!  which  is  over  against  Galilee."  (Luke  viii,  26,  margin: 
"  Many  authorities  read  Gergesenes;  others,  Gadarenes.") 
Bible  students  have  found  it  difficult  to  be  clear  as  to  the 
locality  here  answering  to  the  Gospel  references,  and  also 
as  to  the  proper  name  of  the  town ;  the  more  so  because 
Gadara  and  Gerasa  have  been  fully  known  as  cities  lying 
some  miles  southeast  of  the  Sea  of  Galilee.  But  by  the 
finding  by  Thompson  of  a  place  called  Kersa,  or  Gersa, 
upon  the  eastern  shore  of  the  sea,  with  the  exact  sur- 
roundings required,  Andrews  is  able  to  say,  "  This  discov- 
ery of  the  site  of  Gergesa  removes  all  the  topographical 
difficulties  from  the  sacred  narratives."*  The  name  Gerasa 
for  this  city  has  almost  as  much  in  its  favor  as  Gergesa. 

The  Demo-  "And  when  he  was  come  forth  upon  the  land,  there 
*  met  him  a  certain  man  out  of  the  city,  who  had  devils; 
and  for  a  long  time  he  had  worn  no  clothes,  and  abode 
not  in  any  house,  but  in  the  tombs.  And  when  he  saw 
Jesus,  he  cried  out,  and  fell  down  before  him,  and  with  a 
loud  voice  said,  "What  have  I  to  do  with  thee,  Jesus,  thou 
Son  of  the  Most  High  God  ?  I  beseech  thee,  torment 
me  not.  For  he  commanded  the  unclean  spirit  to  come 
out  from  the  man.  .  .  .  And  Jesus  asked  him,  "What  is 
thy  name  ?  And  he  said.  Legion ;  for  many  devils  were 
entered  into  him.  And  they  intreated  him  that  he  would 
not  command  them  to  depart  into  the  abyss.  Now  there 
was  there  a  herd  of  many  swine  feeding  on  the  mountain : 
and  they  intreated  him  that  he  would  give  them  leave 
to  enter  into  them.  And  he  gave  them  leave.  And  the 
devils  came  out  from  the  man,  and  entered  into  the 
swine:  and  the  herd  rushed  down  the  steep  into  the 
lake,  and  were  choked.     And  when  they  that  fed  them 

♦Hastings,  art.  "Gerasenes." 


Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.   loi 


saw  what  had  come  to  pass,  they  fled,  and  told  it  in  the 
city  and  in  the  country.  .  .  .  And  all  the  people  of  the 
country  of  the  Gerasenes  round  about  asked  him  to  de- 
part from  them;  for  they  were  holden  with  great  fear: 
and  he  entered  into  a  boat,  and  returned." 

Let  us  look  right  into  the  face  of  Biblical  diffi- 
culties. They  are  like  wild  beasts, — they  will  often 
slink  away  under  a  fearless  gaze.  Never  resort  to 
a  "shift"  in  explaining  a  hard  passage. 

STUDY  XIV.— Second  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  viii,  23-27;  Mark  iv,  35-41,  and  compare 
the  brief,  general  account  of  the  first  Gospel  with  the 
vivid  word-painting  of  the  second. 

STUDY  XIV.— Third  Day. 

Read  Mark  v,  1-20,  and  note  once  more  the  pictur- 
esque description,  as  of  a  strongly-impressed  eye-witness. 
The  trip  to  Gergesa,  with  its  thrilling  experiences,  would 
have  left  every  detail  indelibly  stamped  in  Peter's  mind, 
if  we  supposed  him  to  have  been  back  of  Mark's  narra- 
tive, through  his  recounting  of  these  events,  either  in 
his  preaching  or  in  conversation. 

Suggestions    for   Map   "Work   and    References    for   the 

Harmony. 

Indicate  on  your  map  Jesus'  course  across  the  Sea  of  Gali- 
lee from  Capernaum  to  Gergesa  and  return  to  Capernaum. 

Harmony.— Study  XIV.  Visit  to  Gergesa.— The  Tempest 
Stilled.— Demoniacs  Cured.  Matt,  viii,  18,  23-34 ;  Mark  iv,  35— 
v,  20;  Luke  viii,  22-39. 

STUDY  XIV.— Fourth  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  viii,  28-34.  Notice  that  Matthew  speaks 
of  two  demoniacs,  Mark  and  Luke  of  only  one.  Perhaps 
only  one  belonged  to  that  section,  or  was  "out  of  the 
city"  (Luke  viii,  27,)  of  Gergesa.  If  the  other  men- 
tioned by  Matthew  was  from  Gadara,  six  miles  southeast 
of  the  lake,  that  fact  might  lead  him  to  write,  "  into  the 
country  of  the  Gadarenes,"  verse  28. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  I,  599-615;  Geikie  II,  152-156;  Stalker,  63-66; 
Andrews,  295-302 ;  Farrar,  176-183 ;  Rhees,  sees.  142-144,  249,  250. 


I02        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  XIV.— Fifth  Day. 

Eead  Luke  viii,  22-39,  and  mark  the  touchingly  ap- 
propriate position  in  which  the  people  found  the  man, 
verse  35,  "  sitting,  clothed  and  in  his  right  mind,  at  the 
feet  of  Jesus." 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Olass-work. 

1.  The  tranquillity  of  Jesus.  John  iv,  30 ;  Luke  v,  18-26 ; 
Mark  iii,  9,  10;  Matt,  xii,  19;  vi,  25;  Mark  iv,  38;  v,  40,  41; 
Matt,  xi,  25-30;  Luke,  x,  38-42;  John  xi,  6,  7;  xiii,  27;  xiv, 
27;  xviii,  4-9;  xix,  30. 

2.  The  Sea  of  Galilee,  its  size,  relation  to  sea-level,  fre- 
quency and  severity  of  storms,  character  of  adjoining  country, 
cities  on  its  shores,  etc.  Oxford  Bible ;  Bib.  Diet. ;  Geikie  I, 
803-309;  Hist.  Geo.  H.  L.,413;  Edersheim  I,  223;  Farrar,  92-98. 

3.  "Why  did  Jesus  command  the  Gadarene  to  tell  hovp  great 
things  God  had  done  for  him,  while  he  usually  enjoined  strict 
silence  on  those  vphom  he  had  healed  ?    (E.  g.,  Matt,  ix,  30.) 

STUDY  XIV.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Luke  viii,  22-39,  and  see  what  new  points  open 
to  you  by  the  repeated  reading. 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  Hovsr  large  was  the  Sea  of  Galilee? 

2.  Can  you  give  any  explanation  of  the  possession  by  evil 
spirits  of  this  man  of  Gergesa?  Was  it  ordinary  insanity?  (See 
Seventh  Week,  Fifth  Day.) 

3.  Are  people  so  afflicted  to-day? 

4.  Character  of  the  inhabitants  of  Gergesa,  and  the  terri- 
tory about  it,  as  respects  race,  and  relation  to  Jewish  faith  and 
observances.    Edersheim  I,  609,  607 ;  Hist.  Geo.  H.  L.,  459. 

STUDY  XIV.— Seventh  Day. 
Memorize  Luke  viii,  39. 
Reviev/  the  events  thus  far  covered  in  Part  IV. 

Personal  Thought. 

"And  they  came  and  awoke  him,  saying,  Master, 
Master,  we  perish.  And  he  awoke,  and  rebuked  the 
wind  and  the  raging  of  the  water :  and  they  ceased,  and 
there  was  a  calm."  In  my  life  do  I  experience  the  calm 
and  peace  which  the  Christian  should  enjoy? 

Read  John  xiv,  1-3,  27. 


PART   rV.— FIFTEENTH  'WrEBK. 

AT  CAPERNAUM  — JAIRXJS'  DAUGHTER  RAISED 
—WOMAN  AND  THREE  MEN  HEALED. 


STUDY  XV.— First  Day. 

Over  on  the  east  side  of   the  lake   the  people  had  Jesus  Re- 
begged  Jesus  to  depart  from  their  borders.     When  he  *"^^"^  ***  ^'" 
arrived  at  Capernaum  the  people  seemed  eager  to  receive  '**"'"^"'"' 
him  again,  and  many  pressed  about  him  who  had  friends 
sick  and  dying.     ''And  as  Jesus  returned,  the  multitude 
welcomed  him ;  for  they  were  all  waiting  for  him.     And 
behold,  there  came  a  man  named  Jairus,  and  he  was  a 
ruler  of  the  synagogue :  and  he  fell  down  at  Jesus'  feet, 
and  besought  him  to  come  into  his  house ;  for  he  had  an 
only  daughter,  about  twelve  years  of  age,  and  she  lay  a 
dying.     But  as  he  went  the  multitudes  thronged  him." 

On  the  way  to  Jairus'  house  a  very  unusual  incident  Touched  by  a 
occurred.  A  woman  afflicted  twelve  long  years  with  a  ^**"*^"' 
chronic  ailment,  having  sought  a  cure  in  vain,  resolved 
to  seek  help  from  Jesus.  Modesty  forbade  her  telling 
her  disease  publicly,  and  being  unclean,  she  scarcely 
hoped  to  gain  a  conference  with  the  great  Rabbi.  What 
then  should  she  do  ?  She  resolved  to  touch  the  corner 
of  his  outer  garment;  and  in  so  doing  she  was  healed. 
"And  a  Avoman  having  an  issue  of  blood  twelve  years, 
which  had  spent  all  her  living  upon  physicians,  and 
could  not  be  healed  of  any,  came  behind  him,  and 
touched  the  border  of  his  garment:  and  immediately  the 
issue  of  her  blood  stanched.  And  Jesus  said,  Who  is  it 
that  touched  me  ?  And  when  all  denied,  Peter  said,  and 
they  that  were  with  him.  Master,  the  multitudes  press 
thee  and  crush  thee.      But  Jesus  said.  Some  one  did 

103 


I04  Studies  in   the  Life  of  Christ. 

touch  me:  for  I  perceived  that  power  had  gone  forth 
from  me.  And  when  the  woman  saw  that  she  was  not 
hid,  she  came  trembling,  and  falling  down  before  him 
declared  in  the  presence  of  all  the  people  for  what  cause 
she  touched  him,  and  how  she  was  healed  immediately. 
And  he  said  unto  her,  Daughter,  thy  faith  had  made  thee 
whole;  go  in  peace." 
Brings  to  Life        But  while  he  yet  spoke,   ' '  there  cometh  one  from  the 

Daughter.  ^^^^^  ^^  *^^®  Synagogue's  house,  saying,  Thy  daughter  is 
dead;  trouble  not  the  Master.  But  Jesus  hearing  it 
answered  him.  Fear  not:  only  believe,  and  she  shall  be 
made  whole.  And  when  he  came  to  the  house,  he  suf- 
fered not  any  man  to  enter  in  with  him,  save  Peter,  and 
John,  and  James,  and  the  father  of  the  maiden  and  her 
mother.  And  all  were  weeping,  and  bewailing  her :  but 
he  said,  Weep  not;  for  she  is  not  dead,  but  sleepeth. 
And  they  laughed  him  to  scorn,  knowing  that  she  was 
dead.  But  he,  taking  her  by  the  hand,  called,  saying. 
Maiden,  arise.  And  her  spirit  returned,  and  she  arose 
up  immediately:  and  he  commanded  that  something  be 
given  her  to  eat,  and  her  parents  were  amazed:  but  he 
charged  them  to  tell  no  man  what  had  been  done," 

Cures  Two         **And  as  Jesus  passed  from  thence,  two  blind  men 

Blind  Men.  followed  him,  crying  out,  .  .  .  Have  mercy  on  us,  thou 
Son  of  David.  .  .  .  Jesus  saith  to  them,  Believe  ye  that 
I  am  able  to  do  this  ?  They  say  unto  him.  Yea,  Lord. 
Then  touched  he  their  eyes,  saying.  According  to  your 
faith  be  it  done  unto  you.  And  their  eyes  were  opened." 
And  a  Dumb         "And  as  they  went  forth,  behold,  there  was  brought 

Demoniac.  ^^  j^^j^  ^  dumb  man  possessed  v/ith  a  devil.  And  when 
the  devil  was  cast  out  the  dumb  man  spake:  and  the 
multitudes  marveled,  saying,  It  was  never  so  seen  in 
Israel."  

Fix  in  your  mind  the  main  points  of  the  ■week's 
lesson  so  that  you  may  meditate  upon  it  in  your 
leisure  moments. 


Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.     105 

STUDY  XV.— Second  Day. 

Eead  Mark  v,  21-24,  35-43.  We  may  picture  the 
suspense  of  the  parents  of  this  "  little  daughter,"  waiting 
for  Jesus'  return  till  she  is  "at  the  point  of  death,"  the 
father's  urgency,  the  unforeseen  detention  of  Jesus  on 
the  way  to  the  house,  and,  at  last,  the  word,  "Thy  daugh- 
ter is  dead."  But  at  the  darkest  point  the  light  begins 
to  gleam  when  the  Master,  "not  heeding  the  word 
spoken,"  says,  "Fear  not,  only  believe."  Thence  it 
grows  till  we  are  in  the  genial  glow  of  Jesus'  thoughtful 
command  "that  something  should  be  given  her  to  eat." 

STUDY  XV.— Third  Day. 

Eead  Luke  viii,  43-48.  Notice,  verse  45,  "  Peter 
said."  We  have  here  the  first  record  of  his  forwardness. 
Shortly  after,  "Peter  and  James  and  John"  are  desig- 
nated as  privileged  witnesses  at  the  raising  of  the  daugh- 
ter of  the  ruler  of  the  synagogue.  The  prominence  of 
the  foremost  apostle,  and  of  the  chosen  three,  will  be 
seen  at  several  other  places. 

Suggestions    for    Map   "Work   and    References   for   the 
Harmony, 

Harmony. — Study  XV.  At  Capernaum. — Jairus'  Daughter 
Eaised. — Woman  and  Three  Men  Healed. 

Matt,  ix,  1,  18-34;  Mark  v,  21-43;  Luke  viii,  40-56. 

STUDY  XV.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  Mark  v,  25-34,  and  see  that  each  synoptist  gives 
Christ's  use  of  the  tender  word,  "  daughter,"  in  address- 
ing this  trembling,  shrinking  woman.  We  find  no  other 
instance.  How  indicative  are  such  marks  of  the  truth 
of  the  record,  and  of  the  beauty  of  the  Life  behind  the 
record ! 

Q-eneral  References. 

Edersheim  I,  576,  616-634;  II,  48-50;  Geikie  II,  156-160; 
Stalker,  62-67,  101,  102;  Andrews,  303-307;  Farrar,  188-192. 

STUDY  XV.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  ix,  27-31,  and  observe  the  first  instance 
of  the  clear  use  of  the  Messianic  title,  "  Son  of  David," 


io6        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

and  the  strong  emphasis  on  personal  faith  as  the  condi- 
tion of  healing. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Olass-wrork. 

1.  The  superhuman  knowledge  of  Jesus.  Luke  ii,  40 ;  John 
1,  48;  ii,  24,  25;  iii.  9-13;  Luke  v,  4-6;  Mark  ii,  8;  Luke  vi,  8; 
vii,  39,  40 ;  Mark  v,  30 ;  Matt  xxii,  18 ;  xxvi,  2 ;  Luke  xxii,  10-13 ; 
John  xiii,  1 ;  Luke  xxii,  21 ;  Mark  xiv,  30. 

2.  The  condition  of  medical  science  at  that  time.  Bib. 
Diet.,  "  Medicine  ;"  Geikie  TI,  158,  159. 

3.  The  garments  probably  worn  by  Christ.  Edersheim  I, 
620-626;  Bib.  Diet.,  "Dress;"  Oxford  Bib. 

STUDY  XV.— Sixth  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  ix,  32-34.  Men  begin  to  take  sides  in 
the  presence  of  the  notable  miracles  of  Christ. 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  How  were  the  multitude  at  Capernaum  expectant  of 
Jesus'  return  ?     Mark  iv,  36. 

2.  What  were  the  duties  of  a  ruler  of  the  synagogue?  Bib. 
Diet.,  "  Synagogue." 

3.  Why  should  the  woman  specially  dread  to  touch  even 
the  garment  of  Christ?     (Lev.  xv,  25-27.) 

4.  In  what  language  are  the  words  "  Talitha  cumi  ?" 
Mark  v,  41. 

5.  Why  does  Mark  translate  them  for  his  readers?  See 
introduction  to  Mark's  Gospel  in  some  good  commentary. 

STUDY  XV.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Mark  v,  3G. 

Eapidly  outline  in  your  mind  the  course  of  the  Life 
from  the  beginning. 

Personal  Thought. 

"According  to  your  faith  be  it  done  unto  you." 
What  definite  blessings  can  I  say  have  come  to  me  be- 
cause of  my  faith  ?    What  rich  blessings  may  I  not  expect 
if  I  have  faith  ?     Eead  the  eleventh  chapter  of  Hebrews 
and  the  first  ten  verses  of  the  twelfth. 


PART  IV.— SIXTEENTH  "W^EJBK. 

VISIT  TO  NAZARETH  A^B  SOUTHWESTERN" 

GALILEE  —MISSION  OP  THE  TWELVE  — 

DEATH  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST. 


STUDY  XVI.— First  Day. 

Jesus  now  arranged  to  enlarge  his  work  still  further  Jesus  En- 
throughout  Galilee.  His  heart  yearned  to  proclaim  the  work. 
truth  in  the  town  of  his  childhood.  At  the  time  of  his 
last  visit,  when  he  unfolded  his  Messiahship,  the  people 
of  Nazareth  arose  and  thrust  him  out  of  the  city,  and  pro- 
posed to  kill  him.  They  looked  upon  him  now  as  a  dan- 
gerous disturber  of  the  established  religion.  He  was  not 
in  the  succession  of  rabbis,  for  he  had  never  been  or- 
dained. He  was  the  son  of  a  carpenter,  whom  they  had 
known  many  years.  With  such  credentials,  he  appeared 
a  stone  of  stumbling  to  their  narrow  prejudices  and  un- 
belief, and  they  could  not  receive  him ;  but  even  Nazareth 
is  dear  to  Jesus,  and  thither  he  went  to  make  a  last  ap- 
peal. Going  to  the  synagogue  on  the  Sabbath,  as  his 
custom  was,  he  began  to  speak.  Soon  whispers  passed 
through  the  congregation  concerning  him.  They  recog- 
nized in  him  great  wisdom,  but  said  among  themselves, 
Whence  cometh  this  wisdom?  ''And  he  went  out  from 
thence;  and  he  cometh  into  his  own  country;  and  his 
disciples  follow  him.     And  when  the  sabbath  was  come, 

he  began  to  teach  in  the  synagogue :  and  many  hearing 

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io8        Studies  in   the   Life  of  Christ. 

him  were  astonished,  saying,  "Whence  hath  this  man  these 
things  ?  and.  What  is  the  wisdom  that  is  given  unto  this 
man,  and  what  mean  such  mighty  works  wrought  by  his 
hands  ?  Is  not  this  the  carpenter,  the  son  of  Mary,  the 
brother  of  James,  and  Joses,  and  Judas,  and  Simon  ?  and 
are  not  his  sisters  here  with  us  ?  And  they  were  offended 
in  him.  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  A  prophet  is  not 
without  honor,  save  in  his  own  country,  and  among  his 
own  kin,  and  in  his  own  house.  And  he  could  there  do 
no  mighty  work,  save  that  he  laid  his  hands  upon  a  few 
sick  folk,  and  healed  them.  And  he  marveled  because 
of  their  unbelief." 
The  Twelve  Jesus  now  decided  to  send  forth  the  Twelve,  that  more 
stoned!  might  hear  the  glad  news  of  salvation.  Calling  them  to- 
gether, he  told  them  his  purpose  and  gave  them  authority 
to  heal  the  sick,  to  raise  the  dead,  to  cleanse  the  lepers 
and  to  cast  out  devils,  and  to  declare  that  "  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  is  at  hand."  "And  he  called  unto  him  the 
twelve,  and  began  to  send  them  forth  by  two  and  two; 
and  he  gave  them  authority  over  the  unclean  spirits ;  and 
he  charged  them  they  should  take  nothing  for  their  jour- 
ney, save  a  staff  only;  no  bread,  no  wallet,  no  money  in 
their  purse;  but  to  go  shod  with  sandals:  and,  said  he. 
Put  not  on  two  coats.  And  he  said  unto  them,  Where- 
soever ye  enter  into  a  house,  there  abide  till  ye  depart 
thence.  And  whatsoever  place  shall  not  receive  you,  and 
they  hear  you  not,  as  ye  go  forth  thence,  shake  off  the 
dust  that  is  under  your  feet  for  a  testimony  unto  them. 
And  they  went  out,  and  preached  that  men  should  re- 
pent. And  they  cast  out  many  devils,  and  anointed  with 
oil  many  that  were  sick,  and  healed  them."  How  long 
the  mission  lasted,  we  do  not  know.     It  may  have  con- 


Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.        109 

tinned  weeks  or  months,  bnt  it  was  probably  somewhat 
brief.*  Jesus  himself  was  not  idle  during  their  absence, 
but  preached  and  taught  in  many  cities.  *'And  it  came 
to  pass,  when  Jesus  had  made  an  end  of  commanding  his 
twelve  disciples,  he  departed  thence  to  teach  and  preach 
in  their  cities." 

The  sad  news  of  the  death  of  John  the  Baptist  reached  Death  of 

John  the 

Jesus  about  the  time  the  apostles  returned.  Baptist. 


Recall  the  spiritual  lessons  that  have  most  im- 
pressed you  in  your  recent  study. 


STUDY  XVI.— Second  Day. 

Read  Mark  vi,  1-5,  and  first  clause  of  verse  6.  See 
(Matt,  xiii,  58,)  what  stood  in  the  way  of  the  manifesta- 
tion of  Christ's  power  at  Nazareth.  Does  Mark  vi,  3, 
fully  prove  that  in  the  years  before  his  baptism  Jesus 
followed  the  trade  of  a  carpenter?  (Stalker,  22;  An. 
drews,  110.) 

STUDY  XVI.— Third  Day. 

Read  Matt,  ix,  35,  and  with  this  verse,  Matt,  iv,  17, 
23-25;  Luke  viii,  1;  Matt,  xi,  1,  showing  fo»\i'  or  five 
tours,  embracing  vast  labors,  teachings,  and  healings, 
of  which  we  have  for  the  most  part  only  these  brief 
summaries. 


♦Andrews,  pp.  809,  8ia 


1 1  o        Studies  in  the   Life  of  Christ. 

Suggestions    for    Map    Work    and    References    for    the 
Harmony. 

Indicate  on  your  map  the  course  of  Jesus  from  Capernaum  to 
Nazareth  and  southwestern  Galilee,  and  return  to  Capernaum. 

Harmony. — Study  XVI.  Visit  to  Nazareth  and  Southwest- 
ern Galilee. — Mission  of  the  Twelve. — Death  of  John  the  Bap- 
tist. Matt,  xiii,  54-58;  ix,  35— xi,  1;  xiv,  1-12;  Mark  vi,  1-29; 
Luke  ix,  1-9. 

STUDY  XVI.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  ix,  36-38.  To  be  "moved  with  compas- 
sion" for  men  is  the  source  of  all  effort  and  power  in 
evangelistic  and  mission  work. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  I,  635-655,671-675;  Geikie  11,161-173;  Stalker, 
60,  80-83,  106;  Andrews,  307-321;  Farrar,  118-122,  193-197, 
206-214 ;  Rhees,  sec.  139. 

STUDY  XVI.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  x,  and  notice  that  it  may  be  summed  up 
in  the  words,  "  Fear  not;  care  not."  Observe,  also,  how 
here,  as  always,  Jesus  seeks  to  guard  his  disciples  from 
false  and  illusive  hopes.  They  were  to  enter  his  work 
fully  forewarned  of  the  severe  experiences  they  were  to 
meet.     (Training  of  the  Twelve,  109-119.) 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-^work. 

1.  Christ's  training  of  the  twelve  and  of  other  disciples? 
John  i,  38-51;  ii,  11;  iv,  7-26;  Mark  iii,  14,  15;  Matt,  v-vii ; 
Mark  v,  18,  19,  37;  Matt,  x;  Luke  ix,  28-36,  52-55;  x;  xi,  1-13; 
xii,  41-48;  xvii,  1-10;  Mark  x,  13-31;  John  xii,  20-32;  Matt, 
xxiv,  XXV ;  John  xiii,  3-15;  xx,  xxi ;  Acts  i,  1-8. 

2.  Who  constituted  the  family  of  Mary,  the  mother  of 
Jesus?    Geikie  I,  111,  112;  Andrews,  111 ;  Bib.  Diet. 


Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.     1 1 1 

3.  The  field  and  time  covered  by  tlie  mission  of  the  twelve. 

4.  The  career  and  character  of  Herod  Antipas  and  Herodias. 
Edersheim,  657,  658,  672-675;  Geikie  I,  424-426. 

5.  "What  substitute  for  the  miracle-working  power  has  God 
given  the  modern  Church? 

6.  Why  did  Jesus  command  the  apostles  to  go  not  into  any 
way  of  the  Gentiles? 

7.  Why  did  he  command  them,  on  entering  a  village,  to 
seek  out  who  in  it  was  worthy,  and  there  to  abide? 

8.  What  practical  eflfect  was  the  shaking  off  of  the  dust  of 
the  feet  by  the  disciples  designed  to  have  on  those  who  wit- 
nessed it? 

STUDY  XVI.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Mark  vi,  14-29,  and  compare  it  with  the  ac- 
counts of  Matthew  and  Luke.  Note  especially  Matt. 
•Kiv,  12. 

Questions  for  Written  Answers. 

1.  How  long  were  the  apostles  in  training  from  their  selec- 
tion till  they  were  sent  out  independently? 

2.  Why  were  the  apostles  sent  out  two  and  two  ? 

3.  How  long  had  John  the  Baptist  been  in  prison  ? 

4.  What  bearing  did  his  death  have  on  the  spirit  and  work 
of  Jesus  and  the  twelve? 

5.  Sketch  the  life  of  John  the  Baptist. 

6.  Give  the  elements  of  his  character. 

STUDY  XVI.-Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Matt,  ix,  37,  38. 

Write  in  the  Harmony  a  simple  analysis  of  the  great 
discourse  in  Matt,  x,  by  designating  what  verses  should 
be  placed  under  each  of  the  following  headings:  1.  The 
workers,  their   spirit  and   experiences.      2.    The   field. 


112        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

3.  The  work.  4.  The  maintenance.  5.  The  method. 
6.  The  contending  forces.  7.  The  Presence  and  care 
attending  the  workers.  8.  The  recompense  to  those  who 
receive  or  reject  them  or  their  message. 

Personal  Thought. 

"Every  one  therefore  who  shall  confess  me  before 
men,  him  will  I  also  confess  before  my  Father  which  is 
in  heaven.  But  whosoever  shall  deny  me  before  men, 
him  will  I  also  deny  before  my  Father  which  is  in 
heaven." 

Do  I  ever  deny  Christ  ?  Have  I  ever  confessed  him 
before  men  ? 

Eead  Rom.  x,  10. 


PART  IV.— SEVENTEENTH  VTEEK. 

OHKIST  FEEDS  FIVE  THOUSAN"D.— WALKS 

ON"  THE  WATER— AND  DISCOURSES 

ON  BREAD  AND  EATING. 


STUDY  XVII.— First  Day. 

Already  worn  by  fatigue,  Jesus  heard  with  sorrow  the  JesusDe. 
news  of  the  sudden  murder  of  John  the  Baptist,  and  he  Rest.*  ^'^^^ 

felt  the  need  of  rest.  The  apostles  returning  about  this 
time  from  their  first  tour,  unattended  by  Christ,  were 
also  weary,  and  their  Master  said  unto  them:  "Come  ye 
yourselves  apart  into  a  desert  place,  and  rest  a  while. 
For  there  were  many  coming  and  going,  and  they  had  no 
leisure  so  much  as  to  eat.  And  they  went  away  in  the 
boat  to  a  desert  place  apart." 

Jesus  wanted  to  suspend  his  public  work  for  a  few 
hours  of  quiet  conference  and  rest.  But  he  had  been 
absent  some  time,  and  the  multitude  learning  of  his 
return,  were  eager  to  hear  his  wonderful  words.  "  The 
people  saw  them  going,  and  many  knew  them,  and  they 
ran  there  together  on  foot  from  all  the  cities,  and  out- 
went them."  It  was  about  six  miles  by  water,  but  some 
miles  farther  by  land.  Christ  had  gone  for  rest,  but  it 
was  denied  him,  and  when  he  went  forth  out  of  the  boat, 
"he  saw  a  great  multitude,  and  he  had  compassion  on 
them,  because  they  were  as  sheep  not  having  a  shepherd: 
and  he  began  to  teach  them  many  things." 
8  113 


114        Studies  in   the  Life  of  Christ. 
Feeds  Five        Jesus,  Seeing  their  faith  and  interest  in  his  words, 

Thousand. 

could  not  turn  them  away.  Many  had  brought  their 
sick;  these  he  must  heal.  Many  others  knew  not  the 
way  of  eternal  life ;  them  he  must  teach.  Soon  the  day 
was  far  spent,  but  the  people  had  no  thought  of  retiring 
home.  "And  when  the  day  was  now  far  spent,  his  dis- 
ciples came  unto  him,  and  said.  The  place  is  desert,  and 
the  day  is  now  far  spent :  send  them  away,  that  they  may 
go  into  the  country  and  villages  round  about,  and  buy 
themselves  somewhat  to  eat.  But  he  answered  and  said 
unto  them,  Give  ye  them  to  eat.  And  they  say  unto  him, 
Shall  we  go  and  buy  two  hundred  pennyworth  of  bread, 
and  give  them  to  eat?  And  he  saith  unto  them,  How 
many  loaves  have  ye  ?  go  and  see.  And  when  they  knew, 
they  say,  Five,  and  two  fishes.  And  he  commanded  them 
that  all  should  sit  down  by  companies  upon  the  green 
grass.  And  they  sat  down  in  ranks,  by  hundreds,  and 
by  fifties.  And  he  took  the  five  loaves  and  the  two 
fishes,  and  looking  up  to  heaven,  he  blessed,  and  brake 
the  loaves;  and  he  gave  to  the  disciples  to  set  before 
them ;  and  the  two  fishes  divided  he  among  them  all.  And 
they  did  all  eat,  and  were  filled.  And  they  took  up  broken 
pieces,  twelve  basketfuls,  and  also  of  the  fishes.  And  they 
that  ate  the  loaves  were  five  thousand  men." 
Walks  on  the  ^9  night  approached,  "he  constrained  his  disciples 
^^®*  to  enter  into  the  boat,  and  go  before  him  unto  the  other 
side  to  Bethsaida,  while  he  himself  sendeth  the  multi- 
tude away.  And  after  he  had  taken  leave  of  them,  he 
departed  into  the  mountain  to  pray.  And  when  even 
was  come,  the  boat  was  in  the  midst  of  the  sea,  and  he 
alone  on  the  land.  And  seeing  them  distressed  in  row- 
ing, for  the  wind  was  contrary  unto  them,  about   the 


Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.     1 1 5 

fourth  watch  of  the  night  he  cometh  unto  them,  walking 
on  the  sea;  and  he  would  have  passed  by  them:  but  they, 
when  they  saw  him  walking  on  the  sea,  supposed  that  it 
was  an  apparition,  and  cried  out:  for  they  all  saw  him, 
and  were  troubled.  But  he  straightway  spake  with  them, 
and  saith  unto  them,  Be  of  good  cheer:  it  is  I;  be  not 
afraid.  And  he  went  up  unto  them  into  the  boat;  and 
the  wind  ceased :  and  they  were  sore  amazed  in  them- 
selves; for  they  understood  not  concerning  the  loaves,  but 
their  heart  was  hardened.  And  when  they  had  crossed 
over,  they  came  to  the  land  unto  Gennesaret,  and  moored 
to  the  shore." 

"And  when  they  were  come  out  of  the  boat,  straight-  Cures  atoen- 
way  the  people  knew  him,  and  ran  round  about  that  "eatwngrlt 
whole  region,  and  began  to  carry  about  on  their  beds  Capernaum. 
those  that  were  sick,  where  they  heard  he  was.     And 
wheresoever  he  entered,  into  villages,  or  into  cities,  or 
into  the  country,  they  laid  the  sick  in  the  market  places, 
and  besought  him  that  they  might  touch  if  it  were  but 
the  border  of  his  garment:  and  as  many  as  touched  him 
were  made  whole."     Following  these  events,  Jesus  gave 
important  teachings  on  the  way  to  Capernaum,  and  in 
the  synagogue  of  that  city. 


Remember  during  the  day  the  command :  "  Thou 
shalt  meditate  on  these  things  as  thou  liest  down 
and  as  thou  risest  up,  and  as  thou  walkest  by  the 
way." 

STUDY  XVII.— Second  Day. 

Read  John  vi,  1-15.  Note  that  John's  Gospel  has 
hitherto  given  us  nothing  during  the  second  period  of 


1 1 6        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

the  Galilean  ministry,  and  that  the  stupendous  miracle 
before  ns  is  really  the  first  event  treated  by  all  four 
evangelists.  It  is  true  they  all  touch  upon  the  opening 
of  Christ's  Galilean  ministry  (see  Harmony  for  Study  VI), 
but  this  marvelous  '  sign,'  the  fourth  in  John's  notable 
list,  is  the  only  occurrence  that  calls  forth  a  record  in  all 
the  Gospels  before  the  Passion  Week.  Verses  14,  15, 
show  that  it  produced  a  great  crisis,  which  gave  a  new 
direction  to  Christ's  work."  (Stalker,  104,  105;  Eders- 
heim  II,  35,  36. 

STUDY  XVn.— Third  Day. 

Bead  Matt,  xiv,  32-36.  Verses  22,  23,  reveal  Christ's 
instant  course  when  he  saw  that  the  people  purposed  to 
make  him  a  king.*  This  sudden  crisis  has  been  compared 
to  his  third  temptation  in  the  wilderness.  Notice  that 
the  account  of  Peter's  going  to  Jesus  on  the  water  is 
given  by  Matthew  alone. 

Suggestions    for    Map    "Work    and    References    for    the 
Harmony. 

Mark  on  the  map  the  course  from  Capernaum  by  boat  to 
the  region  of  Bethsaida  Julias,  northeast  of  the  Sea  of  Galilee, 
and  thence  across  the  sea  westward  to  Gennesaret,  and  to 
Capernaum. 

Harmony.— Study  XVII.— Christ  Feeds  Five  Thousand— 
AValks  on  the  "Water— and  Discourses  on  Bread  and  Eating. 
Matt,  xiv,  13— XV,  20 ;  Mark  vi,  30— vii,  23 ;  Luke  ix,  10-17 ;  John 
vi,  1-71. 

STUDY  XVII,— Fourth  Day. 

Eead  John  vi,  22-71.  We  can  not  measure  the  sig- 
nificance of  this  discourse.!     Jesus  has  just  passed  the 


*  Farrar,  p.  217.     •}■  Andrews,  pp.  331,  832. 


Second  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.     117 

summit  of  popular  favor.  Henceforth,  his  work  is  not 
extensive  but  intensive ;  not  so  much  for  the  multitudes 
as  for  his  chosen  few,  whom  he  will  make  the  leaven  that 
shall  leaven  the  whole  world.  l)well  with  deep  thought- 
fulness  on  verses  60,  66-68. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  I,  676-695 ;  II,  3-36 ;  Geikie  II,  173-200 ;  Stalker, 
104-106;  Andrews,  317-833;  Farrar,  214-227,  239-242;  Rhees, 
sec.  146. 

STUDY  XVn.— Fifth  Day. 

Eead  Matt.  xv.  1-20,  and  note  that  from  this  time  his 
enemies  more  directly  attack  his  teaching,  and  Jesus  more 
pointedly  exposes  their  errors,  hypocrisy,  and  sin.  (An- 
drews, 318,  319.) 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-"work. 

1.  Christ's  power  to  supply  every  human  need.  John  i,  4, 
12,  16;  iv,  14;  Luke  iv,  18-21;  Matt.  iv.  23;  John  v,  26;  Matt. 
Xi,  5 ;  Mark  v,  28,  29 ;  vi,  42, 43 ;  John  vi,  35 ;  Matt,  xv,  30 ;  John 
X,  27,  28;  xiv,  1-3,  13,  14,  27;  xv,  7,  13-15;  xvii,  17-26;  Matt, 
xxviii,  18-20. 

2.  Why  did  not  Jesus  answer  the  question  of  the  multitude  ? 
(John  vi,  25.) 

3.  The  vow  of  Corban  and  the  tradition  of  the  elders.  Ox- 
ford Bible ;  Edersheim  II,  17-20 ;  commentaries  on  Mark  vii,  11^ 

STUDY  XVII.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Mark  vii,  1-23,  and  observe  the  profound  prin- 
ciple given  in  verse  15.  How  clearly  could  Peter  see,  es- 
pecially after  his  later  vision  (Acts  x,  9-16),  that  Christ 
had  made,  by  his  statements  here,  "all  meats  clean," 
verse  19. 


1 1 8        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Questions  for  Written  Answers. 

1.  How  do  you  account  for  the  fact  that  so  many  people 
were  so  far  from  home  without  food? 

2.  How  far  had  those  from  Capernaum  traveled  ? 

3.  Methods  of  bread-making  then  in  use.  Bib.  Diet., 
•'  Bread." 

4.  How  large  were  the  loaves? 

5.  Of  what  different  grains  was  bread  then  made? 

6.  How  was  the  night  divided  into  watches  (a)  by  the  Jews, 
(6)  by  the  Romans  ?    Oxford  Bible. 

STUDY  XVn.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Jolm  vi,  67,  68. 

Review  carefully  and  be  able  to  give  from  memory  the 
events  of  this  Second  Period  of  the  Galilean  Ministry. 

Personal  Thought. 

*'  For  the  bread  of  God  is  that  which  cometh  down  out 
of  heaven,  and  giveth  life  unto  the  world.  ...  I  am  the 
bread  of  life."  Have  I  an  appetite  for  spiritual  food? 
Do  I  feed  regularly  ?  How  fully  have  I  assimilated  the 
spirit  and  life  of  Christ  as  the  true  bread  from  heaven  ? 
Read  1  Cor.  x,  1-4. 


PART  Y. 
THIED  PERIOD  OF  aiLILEAN  MINISTRY. 


EIGHTEENTH  ^W^EEK. 


WITHDEAWAL  I:N^T0  NOETHERI^  GALILEE  AND 
EETUEN  TO  DECAPOLIS. 


STUDY  XVIII.— First  Day. 

All  through  his  ministry,  Jesus  tried  to  avoid  open  increasing 

collisions  with  the  rabbis  and  priests  at  Jerusalem,  and  the  Phari- 

the  Pharisees  and  other  disciples  of  the  schools  scattered  **^**' 

throughout  the  country.     But  trouble  was  sure  to  follow 

his    straightforward    denunciation    of    sin.     The   world 

hated  him  because  he  testified  of  it  that  its  works  were 

evil.     In  John  vii,  1,  we  learn  that  he  had  already  been 

excommunicated  from  worshiping  in  the  synagogues  of 

Judea.     The  same  sentence  was  now  to  be  extended  to 

the  synagogues  of  Galilee.    Nazareth  had  closed  its  doora 

to  him,  and  we  no  longer  read  that  he  visited  synagogues 

on  the   Sabbath-day.     He  was,  therefore,  compelled  to 

find  new  fields  in  which  to  labor,  and  especially  was  he 

in  search  of  quiet  surroundings,  that  he  might  instruct 

119 


I20        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

the  apostles  carefully  concerning  his  kingdom,  knowing 
full  well  th^  his  time  was  near  at  hand.* 

Dr.  Wallace  fittingly  remarks  concerning  this  period 
of  Christ's  ministry:  "Hostility  had  so  increased  that 
Jesus  deemed  it  wise  to  withdraw  from  Galilee.  Only 
one  year  remained  to  him  on  earth.  Much  of  that  time 
he  must  spend  in  training  his  disciples.  During  the 
spring  and  summer,  forming  the  first  half  of  this  year, 
he  sought  constantly  to  avoid  the  notice  of  the  people, 
that  plots  might  not  thicken  about  him,  and  that  he 
might  not  be  interrupted  in  his  work  of  teaching  the 
twelve.  At  first  he  went  northward  into  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Tyre  and  Sidon ;  thence  eastward  past  Hermon, 
and  southward  to  Decapolis;  thence  across  the  lake  to 
the  west  shore,  where  he  landed  at  Dalmanutha ;  then  by 
water  to  Bethsaida  Julias;  then  north  as  far  as  Hermon, 
and  then  back  to  Capernaum  for  a  brief  stay.  Every- 
where, as  soon  as  his  presence  was  known,  his  seclusion 
was  interrupted  b^^  those  who,  in  their  affliction,  came  to 
him  for  succor,  or,  hearing  of  his  miracles,  were  eager  to 
see  him." 

We  thus  may  see  in  outline  the  course  of  Christ  dur- 
ing the  closing  period  of  his  work  in  Galilee ;  and  in  the 
present  lesson  we  will  now  follow  the  course  as  far  as  to 
Decapolis. 
The  Daugh-        The  first  thing  recorded  as  happening  on  this  tour 
ter  of  the  Sy-  ^-j^    curinff  of  the  Syrophoenician  woman's  daughter. 

rophoeniclan  a  J       r  o 

Woman  "And  he  entered  into  a  house,  and  would  have  no  man 

Cured. 

know  it:  and  he  could  not  be  hid.  But  straightway  a 
woman,  whose  little  daughter  had  an  unclean  spirit,  hav- 
ing heard  of  him,  came  and  fell  down  at  his  feet.     Now 

*  Bdershelm,  pp.  36. 37. 


Third  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.      121 

the  womau  was  a  Greek,  a  Syrophoeniciau  by  race.     And 

she  besought  him  that  he  would  cast  forth  the  devil  out 

of  her  daughter.    And  he  said  unto  her,  Let  the  children 

first  be  filled:  for  it  is  not  meet  to  take  the  children's 

bread  and  cast  it  to  the  dogs.     But  she  answered  and 

saith  unto  him,  Yea,  Lord :  even  the  dogs  under  the  table 

eat  of  the  children's  crumbs.     And  he  said  unto  her.  For 

this  saying,  go  thy  way;  the  devil  is  gone  out  of  thy 

daughter.    And  she  went  away  unto  her  house,  and  found 

the  child  laid  upon  the  bed,  and  the  devil  gone  out." 

How  long  Jesus  remained  about  Tyre  and  Sidon  is 

unknown.     It  would  seem  as  if  his  wonderful  miracles 

had  hastened  his  departure. 

"And  again  he  went  out  from  the  borders  of  Tyre,  Jesus  De- 
parts for  De« 
and  came  through  Sidon  unto  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  through  capoiis. 

the  midst  of  the  borders  of  Decapolis."    "And  there  came 

unto  him  great  multitudes,  having  with  them  the  lame, 

blind,  dumb,  maimed,  and  many  others,  and  they  cast 

them  down  at  his  feet;  and  he  healed  them:  insomuch 

that  the  multitudes  wondered,  when  they  saw  the  dumb 

speaking,  the  maimed  whole,  the  lame  walking,  and  the 

blind  seeing:  and  they  glorified  the  God  of  Israel." 


Remember  that  the  drudgery  of  a  memory  drill 
is  the  portico  to  the  Palace  Beautiful. 


STUDY  XVni.— Second  Day. 

Eead  Mark  vii,  24-30.  It  is  evident  from  the  latter 
part  of  verse  24  that  Jesus  still  seeks  retirement,  but  be- 
cause of  the  eagerness  of  the  people  for  the  help  he  can 
give,  he  does  not  yet  find  it.     He  shows  his  greatness 


122        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

here  in  a  twofold  way:  in  calmly  limiting  his  work  to 
the  sphere  of  his  own  country;  and  then,  with  equal 
calmness,  in  making  the  exception  when  a  higher  reason* 
requires  it.*  The  words  of  Christ,  verse  27,  are  not  to 
be  taken  as  having  in  them  either  dissemblance  or  un- 
gentleness.  The  Greek  diminutive  term,  "little  dogs," 
brings  this  common  expression  for  Gentiles  by  the  Jews, 
as  used  by  Christ,  within  the  feeling  associations  of 
family  life;  i.  e.,  the  little  house-dogs  that  run  about 
under  the  table,  f 

STUDY   XVIII.— Third  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  xv,  21-28.  Note  verse  22,  that  the  woman 
comes  forth  from  the  borders  of  Gentile  territory,  and 
enters  the  bounds  of  Palestine,  to  meet  him  whom  she 
recognizes  as  the  Messiah  of  the  Jews.  By  her  persistence 
in  the  face  of  all  difficulties,  she  became,  and  remains, 
the  model  of  true  supplication  and  all-conquering  faith. 

Suggestions    for   Map    "Work    and    References    for    the 
Harmony. 

Make  a  new  map  for  Part  V,  and  trace  on  it  Christ's  journey 
from  Capernaum  round  to  Decapolis. 

Harmony. — Part  V.  Third  period  of  Galilean  ministry. — 
From  the  withdrawal  into  Northern  Galilee  until  the  final  de- 
parture for  Jerusalem.  Study  XVIII.  Withdrawal  into 
Northern  Galilee,  and  return  to  Decapolis.  Matt,  xv,  21-31; 
Mark  vii,  24-37. 

STUDY  XVIII.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  xv,  21-28;  Mark  vii,  24-30,  and  by  com- 
bining both  accounts,  outline  in  the  harmony  the  suc- 
cession of  all  the  items  of  the  narrative. 


*  Ewald.      +  Meyer  on  Matt,  xv,  26,  27. 


Third  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.      123 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  37-47;  Geikie  II,  201-208;  Stalker,  106; 
Andrews,  333-336  ;  Farrar,  257-261. 

STUDY  XVIII.— Fifth  Day. 

Eead  Mark  vii,  31;  Matt,  xv,  29-31,  The  eager  haste 
of  the  semi-heathen  population,  iu  bringing  the  needy 
sufferers,  their  wonder,  and  praise  to  the  God  of  Israel, 
are  to  be  noted. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-work. 

1.  The  hostility  to  Christ,  its  cause  and  vindictive  char- 
acter.* John  i,  5,  10,  11;  iii,  19,  20;  Luke  iv,  23-80;  v,  20,  21; 
John  V,  16-18;  Mark  iii,  2;  Matt,  xii,  23,  24;  ix,  34;  xv,  1-14; 
xvi,  1,  6;  John  viii,  43,  44,  59;  x,  31,  39;  xi,  53;  xii,  10,  11;  xv, 
21-25;  Matt,  xxvii,  20-26,  41-43. 

2.  Eastern  hospitality.     Bib.  Diet.,  "  Hospitality." 

3.  Phoenicia.    Bib.  Diet. 

4.  Decapolis.    Bib.  Diet. ;  Hist.  Geo.  H.  L.,  593. 

STUDY  XVin.— Sixth  Day. 

Eead  Mark  vii,  32-37.  The  graphic  description  of 
the  healing  of  one  special  case  reveals  Christ's  use  of 
means  to  awaken  and  guide  the  man's  faith.  Verse  34, 
in  two  words,  discloses  two  striking  facts:  Christ's 
"sigh,"  eloquent  of  his  sense  of  the  grievous  effects  of 
sin  among  men;  ''Ephphatha,"  uttered  here  among  a 
people  using  Greek,  conclusive  proof  that  Aramaic  was 
the  familiar  language  of  Jesus  in  his  common  speech. 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  What  was  the  purpose  of  Jesus  in  making  this  tour? 

2.  About  how  much  time  is  covered  in  this  lesson? 


*  Stalker,  pp.  94-145. 


124        Studies  in   the  Life  of  Christ. 

3.  What  was  the  condition  of  woman  among  the  Jews,  as 
compared  with  her  condition  among  the  heathen?  Bib.  Diet., 
"Women." 

4.  Why  did  Jesus  work  miraculous  cures?  Stalker,  62; 
Sanday ;  Hast.  Bib.  Diet.,  "Jesus  Christ,"  II,  627. 

STUDY  XVIII.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Mark  vii,  37. 

Meditate  on  the  broad  impressions  of  the  lesson  as 
pointing  onward  to  Jewish  rejection,  and  Gentile  wel- 
come of  the  saving  power  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Personal  Thought. 

"She  came  and  worshiped  him,  saying.  Lord,  help 
me.  .  .  .  Jesus  answered,  ...  Be  it  done  unto  thee 
even  as  thou  wilt." 

Have  I  learned   the   secret   of   a  victorious   life,  as 
absolute  abandonment  of   soul,  and  sublimity  of  trust 
toward  Jesus  as  my  Lord? 
Eead  Rom.  viii,  31-39. 


PABT  v.— NINETEENTH  WEEK. 

FOUR  THOUSAND   FED— GROWING   OPPO- 
SITION—PETER'S  CONFESSION. 


STUDY  XIX.— First  Day. 

Jesus  was  now  in  the  region  of  Decapolis.     People,  Je»u»  F««d» 
*'lame,  blind,  dumb,  maimed,  and   many  others,"  had  Thousand. 
been  healed,    A  great  multitude  was  about  Jesus.     They 
had  listened  to  him  for  three  days,  and  their  food  supply 
was  exhausted.    The  provisions  the  disciples  had  brought 
were  also  exhausted,  except  seven  loaves  and  a  few  fishes. 
And  Jesus  said  unto  his  disciples,  "I  have  compassion 
on  the  multitude,  because  they  continue  with  me  now 
three  days,  and  have  nothing  to  eat:  and  I*would  not 
send  them  away  fasting,  lest  haply  they  faint  in  the  way. 
.  .  .  And  he  commanded  the  multitude  to  sit  down  on 
the  ground ;  and  he  took  the  seven  loaves  and  the  fishes ; 
and  he  gave  thanks  and  brake,  and  gave  to  the  disciples, 
and  the  disciples  to  the  multitudes.     And  they  did  all 
eat,  and  were  filled:  and  they  took  up  that  which  re- 
mained over  of  the  broken  pieces,  seven  baskets  full. 
And  they  that  did  eat  were  four  thousand  men,  beside 
women  and  children." 

Jesus  now  sent  the  multitude  away,  and  took  ship  Encounters 
and  came  to  the  coasts  of  Magdala,  on  the  west  side  of  and  Saddu!" 
the  lake,  at  the  lower  end  of  the  Plain  of  Gennesaret,  "**' 

125 


126        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

and  close  to  Capernaum.  No  sooner  was  his  presence 
known  than  his  enemies  began  active  operations.  "And 
the  Pharisees  and  Sadducees  came,  and  tempting  him 
asked  him  to  shew  them  a  sign  from  heaven.  But  he 
answered  and  said  unto  them,  When  it  is  evening,  ye  say, 
It  will  be  fair  weather:  for  the  heaven  is  red.  And  in 
the  morning.  It  will  be  foul  weather  to-day:  for  the 
heaven  is  red  and  lowring.  Ye  know  how  to  discern  the 
face  of  the  heaven;  but  ye  cannot  discern  the  signs  of 
the  times.  An  evil  and  adulterous  generation  seeketh 
after  a  sign ;  and  there  shall  no  sign  be  given  unto  it,  but 
the  sign  of  Jonah.  And  he  left  them,  and  departed." 
visits  Beth-  This  encounter  caused  Jesus  and  the  apostles  to  leave 
*'  Magdala  in  such  haste  that  they  "  forgot  to  take  bread" 
with  them.  It  was  his  final  rejection,  and  Jesus  was  now 
leaving  the  region  about  Capernaum,  never  to  return  to 
teach  or  work  miracles  publicly;  indeed,  he  never  re- 
turned, except  for  brief  visits. 

As  the  boat  plowed  its  way  across  the  waters,  Jesus 
took  occasion  to  discourse  to  them  on  the  "leaven  of  the 
Pharisees."  At  first  they  supposed  the  lesson  he  would 
teach  them  was,  that  since  they  had  forgotten  bread,  if 
they  should  purchase  of  a  Pharisee,  such  bread  would 
defile  them;  but  further  explanation  showed  that  "he 
bade  them  not  beware  of  the  leaven  of  bread,  but  of  the 
teaching  of  the  Pharisees  and  Sadducees." 
Cures  a  Blind  "And  they  come  unto  Bethsaida,  and  they  bring  to 
'^■"'  him  a  blind  man,  and  beseech  him  to  touch  him.  And 
he  took  hold  of  the  blind  man  by  the  hand,  and  brought 
him  out  of  the  village ;  and  when  he  had  spit  on  his  eyes, 
and  laid  his  hands  upon  him,  he  asked  him,  Seest  thou 


Third  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.      127 

aught?  And  he  looked  up  and  said,  I  see  men;  for  I 
behold  them  as  trees,  walking.  Then  again  he  laid  his 
hands  upon  his  eyes ;  and  he  looked  steadfastly,  and  was 
restored,  and  saw  all  things  clearly.  And  he  sent  him 
away  to  his  home,  saying,  Do  not  even  enter  into  the 
village." 

Leaving  Bethsaida  Julias,  Jesus  went  northward  to  Ooesto 
Caesarea  Philippi.  One  day,  "  he  asked  his  disciples,  pwiippI. 
saying.  Who  do  men  say  that  the  Son  of  man  is  ?  And 
they  said.  Some  say  John  the  Baptist;  some,  Elijah:  and 
others,  Jeremiah,  or  one  of  the  prophets.  He  saith  unto 
them.  But  who  say  ye  that  I  am  ?  And  Simon  Peter  an- 
swered and  said.  Thou  art  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  liv- 
ing God.  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him, 
Blessed  art  thou,  Simon  Bar- Jonah :  for  flesh  and  blood 
hath  not  revealed  it  unto  thee,  but  my  Father  which  is 
in  heaven.  And  I  also  say  unto  thee,  that  thou  art  Peter, 
and  upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my  church;  and  the 
gates  of  Hades  shall  not  prevail  against  it.  I  will  give 
unto  thee  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven :  and  what- 
soever thou  shalt  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound  in  heaven : 
and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  on  earth  shall  be  loosed 
in  heaven." 

"From  that  time  began  Jesus  to  show  unto  his  dis-  Foretells  His 

Death  and 

ciples,  how  that  he  must  go  unto  Jerusalem,  and  suffer  Resurrection. 

many  things  of  the  elders  and  chief  priests  and  scribes, 

and  be  killed,  and  the  third  day  be  raised  up."     This  is 

Christ's  first  distinct  prophecy  of  this  event.      All  the 

disciples  were   shocked   by  the  announcement.      Peter 

even  rebuked  him,  saying,  "Be  it  far  from  thee,  Lord: 

this  shall  never  be  unto  thee.     But  he  turned,  and  said 


128        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

unto  Peter,  Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan:  thou  art  a 
stumblingblock  unto  me:  for  thou  mindest  not  the 
things  of  God,  but  the  things  of  men." 


Fix  in  your  mind  the  main  points  of  the  lesson 
so  that  you  may  meditate  upon  it  in  your  leisure 
moments. 

STUDY  XIX.— Second  Day. 

Read  Mark  viii,  1-9.  It  has  been  observed  that 
Christ's  ministry  in  three  several  districts  was  brought  to 
a  close  vidth  a  supper:  in  Galilee,  as  guests,  five  thousand 
Jews;  in  Decapolis,  four  thousand  semi-Gentiles;  in 
Judea,  the  twelve  apostles.     Edersheim  II,  63. 

STUDY  XIX,— Third  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  xv,  39 — xvi,  12.  Magadan,  verse  39,  is 
supposed  to  be  the  same  as  Magdala;  Dalmanutha  (Mark 
viii,  10),  a  place  near  by.  The  Sadducees  (Matt,  xvi,  1,) 
now  join  with  the  Pharisees  against  Christ. 

Suggestions    for    Map  Work    and   References    for   the 
Harmony. 

Mark  on  your  map  for  this  period  the  course  of  Christ  from 
Decapolis  to  Magdala  by  boat,  perhaps  to  Capernaum,  to  Beth- 
saida  Julias  by  boat,  and  to  Csesarea  Philippi. 

Harmony. — Study  XIX.  Four  Thousand  Fed. — Growing 
Opposition. — Peter's  Confession.  Matt,  xv,  32 — xvi,  28;  Mark 
viii,  1— ix,  1;  Luke  ix,  22-27. 

STUDY  XIX.— Fourth  Day. 

Bead  Mark  viii,  22-26.  Again  Mark  gives  careful 
particulars  of  a  cure.     These  circumstantial  details  bring 


Third  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.      1 29 


Jesus  nearer  to  us  in  his  compassionate  love,  and  we  see 
that  every  act  of  healing  cost  him  something. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  63-92;  Geikie  II,  208-235;  Stalker,  106-109; 
Andrews,  336-357 ;  Farrar,  260-275 ;  Rhees,  sees,  155-158. 

STUDY  XIX.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  Luke  ix,  18;  Matt,  xvi,  13-20.  Humbly  medi- 
tate on  the  fact  that  Jesus'  prayer-life  emerges  at  every 
great  occasion  in  his  ministry  fraught  with  high  interests. 
Here  his  Messiahship  is  at  last  to  be  fully  recognized  and 
confessed. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-work. 

1.  Discipleship  to  Christ:  its  meaning  and  conditions.  Luke 
iii,  8-14 ;  John  i,  37,  43 ;  ii,  5,  11 ;  iii,  3, 5 ;  iv,  10 ;  Matt,  iv,  19,  20 ; 
John  V,  24;  Matt,  v,  3-16,  29,  30,  43-48;  vii,  24,  25;  xii,  49,  50; 
Luke  viii,  15  ;  Matt,  x,  22,  24,  32,  37-39  ;  Mark  viii,  34-38;  Matt, 
xviii,  3,  21,  22;  Mark  xii,  30,  31;  Matt,  xxv,  34-40;  John  xv, 
1-8  ;  Acts  i,  8. 

2.  The  conception  of  the  Messiah:  (a)  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment; (b)  in  Jewish  thought  at  the  time  of  the  lesson;  (c)  in 
Peter's  confession.     Geikie  I,  335-342;  Edersheim. 

3.  Is  the  Church  founded  on  Peter  (Roman  Catholic  view)  ; 
or  on  Peter's  confession  (Reformers'  views) ;  or  on  Peter  as  the 
representative  of  humanity,  illuminated  by  the  Spirit  of 
God,  and  confessing  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ  (the  view  of  many 
moderns)  ? 

STUDY  XIX.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Mark  viii,  31— ix,  1:  Matt,  xvi,  21-28,     See  the 
relation  of  this  disclosure  to   Peter's  confession.     The 
Master  makes  known  the  deep  things  of  the  kingdom  as 
fast  as  we  are  fitted  to  receive  them, 
9 


130        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Questions  for  Written  Answers. 

1.  What  was  there  about  Christ's  meeting  with  the  Phari- 
sees and  Sadducees  at  Magdala,  or  Capernaum,  that  caused  him 
to  leave  so  suddenly? 

2.  Give  a  list  of  the  previous  occasions  vphen  the  Messiah- 
ship  of  Christ  has  been  either  stated  or  implied.  (See  the 
Harmony  sections  under  Studies  IV,  VI,  XII,  XVII,  XVIII, 
and  Study  XII,  Fifth  Day,  Topic  1.) 

3.  Why,  then,  was  Peter's  confession  of  such  supreme 
moment?    Rhees,  sec.  155;  Edersheim  II,  91;  Geikie  II,  240. 

4.  When,  also,  had  Jesus  previously  implied  or  foretold  his 
death? 

STUDY  XIX,— Seventh  Day. 
Memorize  Mark  viii,  34,  35. 

Personal  Thought. 

**But  who  say  ye  that  I  am?    And  Simon  Peter  an- 
swered and  said,  Thou  art  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the 
living  God."    What  is  my  answer? 
Read  1  John  v,  4,  6. 


PART  v.— TWENTIETH  WEEK. 

CHRIST     TRANSFIGURED  —  CURES     DEMONIAC 

BOY— AND  AGAIN  FORETELLS  HIS  DEATH 

AND   RESURRECTION. 


STUDY  XX.— First  Day. 

"Jesus  had  now  utterly  broken  with  the  past.     Hith-  ^he  Transfioi 

uratlon. 

erto  he  had  slowly  educated  his  disciples  to  right  concep- 
tions of  himself  and  his  great  work.  They  had  been  in 
his  society  for  two  years  and  had  arisen  to  a  better  com- 
prehension of  his  mission.  Peter,  in  the  name  of  the 
other  disciples,  had  confessed,  'Thou  art  the  Christ.' 
The  announcemenf  that  he  was  to  enter  into  his  glory  as 
Messiah  by  suffering,  shame,  and  death,  shocked  all  their 
preconceptions,  and  they  were  sorely  discouraged.  They 
needed  to  be  cheered  in  their  despondency,  and  led 
gradually  to  accept  the  disclosure  of  his  approaching 
humiliation.  His  promise  that  some  of  them,  before  his 
death,  should  see  his  kingdom  come  with  power  was 
doubtless  treasured  in  their  hearts ;  but  they  little  thought 
its  fulfilment  was  so  near.  The  scene  of  the  transfig- 
uration, like  that  of  nearly  all  other  incidents  in  the  life 
of  our  Lord,  is  not  minutely  stated.  St.  Luke  calls  it 
'  The  Mountain,'  but  gives  no  closer  name.  It  must  have 
been  one  of  the  spurs  of  Hermon,  the  lofty  mountain 
near  which  he  then  found  himself.     Taking  those  of  his 

little  band  most  closely  in  sympathy  with  him,  and  most 

181 


132        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

able  to  receive  the  disclosures  that  might  be  made  to 
them,  he  ascended  into  the  hills  towards  evening  for 
silent  prayer.  The  favored  friends  were  Peter  the  rock- 
like, his  host  at  Capernaum  from  the  first,  and  the  two 
sons  of  Thaddeus,  John  and  James;  loved  disciples  both, 
but  John,  the  younger,  nearest  his  Master's  heart  of  all 
the  twelve,  as  most  like  him  in  spirit.  Evening  fell 
while  Jesus  poured  out  his  soul  in  highest  communion 
with  his  Father,  and  the  three  having  finished  their 
nightly  devotions,  had  wrapped  themselves  in  their  abbas 
and  lain  down  on  the  hillside  to  sleep.  Meanwhile  the 
Master  continued  in  prayer,  his  whole  soul  filled  with  the 
crisis  so  fast  approaching.  As  he  continued  in  prayer,  his 
soul  rose  above  all  earthly  sorrows.  Drawn  forth  by  the 
nearness  of  his  Heavenly  Father,  the  divinity  within 
shone  through  the  veil  of  flesh  till  his  raiment  kindled  to 
the  dazzling  brightness  of  light  and  his  face  gleamed 
with  a  sunlike  majesty.  Amidst  such  effulgence  it  was 
impossible  for  them  to  sleep.  Aroused  by  the  splendor, 
they  gazed,  awestruck,  at  the  wonder,  and  beheld  two 
human  forms,  in  glory  like  that  of  angels,  Moses  and 
Elijah,  the  founder  and  the  great  defender  of  the  old 
economy,  which  he  had  come  to  supersede  and  fulfill.  But 
it  is  given  to  earth  to  have  but  a  brief  glimpse  of  heaven. 
Moses  and  Elijah  had  finished  their  mission  and  were 
about  to  return  to  the  presence  of  God — could  they  not 
be  induced  to  stay  awhile  ?  Peter  was  first  to  speak, '  Lord, 
it  is  good  for  us  to  be  here ;  if  thou  wilt,  I  will  make  here 
three  tabernacles,  one  for  thee,  and  one  for  Moses,  and 
one  for  Elijah.'  It  was  not  enough  that  Moses  and  Elijah 
had  honored  him;  a  voice  added  a  still  higher  testimony, 


Third  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.     133 

•This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased; 
hear  ye  him.'  Such  a  confirmation  of  the  confession  of 
Peter  was  never  forgotten.  Sore  afraid,  the  three  fell 
on  their  faces;  for  who  could  stand  before  God?  But 
the  voice  had  come  and  gone,  and  with  it  the  cloud  and 
visitors  from  the  eternal  world,  and  Jesus  was  once  more 
alone."     (Geikie.) 

Peter  seems  to  have  thought,  after  this  wonderful  NotTaber- 

nacles,  but 

scene  and  the  interview  with  Moses  and  Elijah,  that  Help  for  the 
nothing  ordinary  would  again  occur  in  the  life  of  Christ 
and  the  three  who  were  with  him.  Yet  even  Jesus  could 
not  escape  the  commonplace.  He  had  no  time  to  build 
tabernacles.  He  was  needed  down  in  the  valley  where 
there  were  many  in  affliction  who  must  be  healed.  *'And 
when  they  were  come  to  the  multitude,  there  came  to 
him  a  man,  kneeling  to  him,  and  saying,  Lord,  have 
mercy  on  my  son :  for  he  is  epileptic,  and  sufEereth  griev- 
ously: for  oft-times  he  falleth  into  the  fire,  and  oft-times 
into  the  water.  And  I  brought  him  to  thy  disciples, 
and  they  could  not  cure  him.  .  .  .  And  Jesus  rebuked 
him;  and  the  devil  went  out  from  him:  and  the  boy  was 
cured  from  that  hour." 

"And  while  they  abode  in  Galilee,  Jesus  said  unto  Jesus  again 
them.  The  Son  of  man  shall  be  delivered  up  into  the  Death  and 
hands  of  men;  and  they  shall  kill  him,  and  the  third  day  »*««"'''*««^"«"' 
he  shall  be  raised  up.     And  they  were  exceeding  sorry." 


Some  are  saying  that  meditation  is  a  lost  art. — 
Do  not  allo'w  it  to  be  so  in  your  case,  as  you  dwell 
on  this  portion  of  the  life  of  Christ. 


134        Studies  in   the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  XX.— Second  Day. 

Eead  Luke  ix,  28-36.  Notice  again  that  it  is  Luke, 
of  the  three  synoptists,  who  brings  out  the  feature  of 
Jesus'  prayer  preceding  the  transfiguration.  The  prom- 
inence given  to  prayer  is  one  of  the  marked  distinctions 
of  this  GrospeL 

STUDY  XX.— Third  Day. 

Read  Matt,  xvii,  1-8;  Mark  ix,  2-8,  and  carefully 
note  in  each  such  marks  of  style  as  tend  to  distinguish 
the  two  Gospels. 

Suggestions   for   Map   Work    and    Keferences    for   the 
Harmony. 

Mark  on  the  map  the  course  of  Chi-ist  from  Csesarea  Phil- 
ippi  to  Capernaum,  as  the  first  words  of  the  next  lesson  will 
note  the  arrival  in  that  city. 

Harmony. — Study  XX.  Christ  Transfigured. — Cures  De- 
moniac Boy. — And  Again  Foretells  his  Death  and  Eesurrection. 
Matt,  xvii,  1-23;  Mark  ix,  2-32;  Luke  ix,  28-45. 

STUDY  XX.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  xvii,  9-13,  and  compare  in  your  mind  the 
careers  and  characters  of  Elijah  and  John  the  Baptist.* 

General  References. 

Edersheim  11,  91-111 ;  Geikie  II,  284-245 ;  Stalker,  109 ;  An- 
drews, 856-361 ;  Farrar,  276-280;  Rhees,  sees.  160,  161. 

STUDY  XX.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  Mark  ix,  14-29;  Matt,  xvii,  20,  and  dwell  upon 
these  closing  verses,  enforcing  the  marvelous  power  of 
prayer  and  faith. 


*Hast.  Bib.  Diet.,  Vol.  I,  p.  691;  Vol.  II,  p.  610. 


Third  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.      135 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Olass-work. 

1.  Christ's   prophetic  power  and  consciousness  of  his  ap- 
proaching death.    John  i,  17,  18,  51 ;  ii,  19-22 ;  iii,  11-13;  iv,  19 
Mark  ii,  20 ;  Matt,  x,  16-23  ;  John  vi,  64,  70,  71 ;  Matt,  xvi,  21,  28 
Mark  xiv,  9;  Matt,  xx,  17-19;  Luke  xix,  43,  44;  Matt,  xxi,  46 
xxiv,  1,  2;  xxvi,  2;  John  xiii,  18,  19;  Luke  xxiv,  19. 

2.  The  relation  of  natural  surroundings  to  the  life  of  Christ, 
such  as,  (a)  solitude,  (b)  cities,  (c)  the  sea,  (d)  mountains. 

3.  Mt.  Hermon  and  its  fitness  to  be  the  scene  of  the  trans- 
figuration.    Oxford  Bible;  Edersheim  II,  94,  95;  Andrews,  358. 

STUDY  XX.— Sixth  Day. 

Bead  Matt,  xvii,  22,  23 ;  Mark  ix,  30-32,  and  consider 
both  the  sorro"w  and  the  fear  of  the  disciples. 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  What  purposes  were  served  by  the  transfiguration? 
Edersheim  II,  101;  Geikie  II,  251;  Sanday  (Hast.  Bib.  Diet.), 
"Jesus  Christ,"  II,  629. 

2.  "Why  should  Moses  and  Elijah  be  the  ones  manifested 
with  Christ?    Edersheim  II,  97,  101 ;  Geikie  II,  251,  252. 

3.  What  did  Peter  intend  by  proposing  to  build  three 
tabernacles? 

4.  Of  what  was  the  overshadowing  cloud  a  sign  ? 

5.  Was  the  "  rising  again  from  the  dead"  (Mark  ix,  10,)  at 
all  known  from  the  Old  Testament,  or  in  current  teaching? 
Edersheim  II,  398-399;  Salmond,  Christian  Doctrine  of  Immor- 
tality; Hast.  Bib.  Diet.,  art.  "  Eschatology,"  I,  738f . 

STUDY  XX.— Seventh  Day. 
Memorize  Matt,  xvii,  19,  20. 


136        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Personal  Thought. 

"It  is  good  for  us  to  be  here:  and  let  us  make  three 
tabernacles."  "On  the  next  day,  when  they  were  come 
down  from  the  mountain,  a  man  cried,  saying,  Master, 
look  upon  my  son."  Jesus  healed  the  boy,  and  gave  him 
back  to  his  father. 

Am  I  prompt  to  follow  every  exalted  spiritual  privi- 
lege with  fresh  service  among  the  sin-possessed  and 
needy  ?  Do  I  realize  why  it  is  not  best  for  me  always  to 
remain  in  the  mountain-top  ?    Eead  2  Cor.  xii,  2-10. 


PART  v.— rWENTY-PmST  "WEEK. 

TEMPLE  TAX  PAID  AT  CAPERNAUM— DIS- 
COURSE  ON  HUMILITY  AND 

FORGIVENESS. 


STUDY  XXI.— First  Day. 

Jesus  now  made  a  brief  visit  to  Capernaum.      For  Jesus' visit 

to  Caper- 
about  two  years  he  had  made  it  his  headquarters.     For  naum. 

some  time  he  had  been  compelled  to  hide  from  the  Phari- 
sees, and  forego  meetings  with  the  multitude.  But  se- 
clusion was  now  impossible.  Frequently  he  requested 
those  whom  he  had  cured  to  say  nothing  about  it,  but, 
overjoyed,  they  forgot  the  request,  and  proclaimed  his 
whereabouts.  He  could,  therefore,  no -longer  pass  openly 
from  place  to  place  as  in  other  days,  so  he  purposely 
avoided  the  more  public  roads  and  popular  places,  and 
sought  the  bypaths  among  tho  hills,  where  he  could  rest 
as  far  from  the  people  as  possible.  While  there  he  did 
no  public  teaching,  but  spent  his  time  quietly  instructing 
his  disciples. 

No  sooner  had  he  reached  Capernaum  than  the  col-  "e  Pays  the 

Temple  Tax. 

lector  of  the  annual  tax  for  the  support  of  the  temple 
"came  to  Peter,  and  said.  Doth  not  your  Master  pay  the 
half-shekel  ?*  And  he  saith,  Yea.  And  when  he  came 
into  the  house,  Jesus  spake  first  to  him,  saying,  What 
thinkest  thou,  Simon  ?  the  kings  of  the  earth,  from  whom 
do  they  receive  toll  or  tribute  ?  from  their  sons,  or  from 


♦Hast.  Bib.  Diet.,  Vol.  Ill,  pp.  422, 428. 
187 


138        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

strangers?  And  when  he  said,  From  strangers,  Jesus 
said  unto  him,  Therefore  the  sons  are  free.  But,  lest 
we  cause  them  to  stumble,  go  thou  to  the  sea,  and  cast 
a  hook,  and  take  up  the  fish  that  first  cometh  up; 
and  when  thou  hast  opened  his  mouth,  thou  shalt 
find  a  shekel:  that  take,  and  give  unto  them  for  me 
and  thee." 
The  Disci-        The  disciples  appear  to  have  been  insensible  to  the 

pies  Dispute  i.  ±  ± 

by  the  Way.  statements  of  Christ  respecting  his  approaching  suffer- 
ings and  death,  and  only  sprang  to  the  conclusion  that 
the  Messianic  kingdom  was  near  at  hand;  and  on  the 
way  from  Caesarea  Philippi  to  Capernaum  they  had  fallen 
into  a  dispute  as  to  which  of  their  number  should  have 
the  best  office  and  highest  place  when  it  should  be 
established.  "And  they  came  to  Capernaum:  and  when 
he  was  in  the  house  he  asked  them,  What  were  ye  rea- 
soning in  the  way  ?  But  they  held  their  peace :  for  they 
had  disputed  one  with  another  in  the  way,  who  was 
the  greatest.  And  he  sat  down,  and  called  the  twelve; 
and  he  saith  unto  them.  If  any  man  would  be  first,  he 
shall  be  last  of  all,  and  minister  of  all.  And  he  took  a 
little  child,  and  set  him  in  the  midst  of  them :  and  tak- 
ing him  in  his  arms,  he  said  unto  them.  Whosoever  shall 
receive  one  of  such  little  children  in  my  name,  receiveth 
me:  and  whosoever  receiveth  me,  receiveth  not  me,  but 
him  that  sent  me." 
Unity  and        g^t  the  purposc  of  Jesus  at  this  time  was  more  than 

Peace  of  the  , .      ,    ,  „,,      .  ,  , 

Church,  to  Settle  this  dispute  among  the  disciples.  What^  has 
been  quoted  is  but  a  small  part  of  one  of  the  greatest  and 
most  beautiful  discourses  delivered  by  Christ.  The 
eighteenth  chapter  of  Matthew  is  a  discourse  on  the 
"Unity  and  Peace  of  Christ's  Church."    The  first  symbol 


Third  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.       139 

used  is  that  of  a  child;  so  willingly  submissive  that  it  has 
no  desire  to  rule  its  own  life,  much  less  to  be  counted  su- 
perior to  others.  So  the  heirs  of  Christ's  kingdom  must 
possess  that  submission  of  will  designated  by  the  term 
childlike.  In  the  next  figure  the  kingdom  is  represented 
as  a  family,  and  the  children  are  brethren.  Christ  here 
outlines  methods  of  dealing  with  a  trespassing  brother, 
and,  in  the  eighteenth  verse,  declares  that  all  who  act  in 
harmony  with  his  law  on  the  subject  have  the  assurance 
that  the  decision  of  the  Church  below  will  be  confirmed 
by  the  Church  above.  "What  things  soever  ye  shall 
bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound  in  heaven :  and  what  things 
soever  ye  shall  loose  on  earth  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven." 
As  a  fitting  conclusion  to  this  wonderful  discourse,  Christ 
illustrates  the  gospel  law  of  forgiveness  by  the  parable  of 
the  Unforgiving  Servant,  which  is  so  direct  in  its  logic 
that  it  causes  every  unforgiving  heart  to  pass  judgment 
upon  itself. 

"  Let  the  ^vord  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly  in 
all  ■wisdom." 

STUDY  XXI.— Second  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  xvii,  24-27,  and  see  particularly  the  con- 
siderateness  of  Jesus  in  anticipating  Peter  (verse  25),  and 
in  waiving  an  official  right  so  that  others  would  have  no 
cause  to  **  stumble." 

STUDY  XXI.— Third  Day. 

Read  Matt,  xviii,  1-4  and,  meditate  deeply  on  the  use 
of  this  object-lesson,  as  Christ  enters  upon  the  great  task 
of  training  the  twelve  in  spirit  and  temper.  *'  Training 
of  the  Twelve,"  chap.  xiv. 


140        Studies  in   the   Life  of  Christ. 

Suggestions   for   Map    Work    and    References   for   the 
Harmony. 

In  your  mind  rapidly  follow  the  journeys  of  Christ  thus  far 
during  Part  V,  and  then  refer  to  your  map  to  see  whether  you 
grasp  them  correctly. 

Harmony.— Study  XXI.  Temple  Tax  Paid  at  Capernaum. 
— Discourse  on  Humility  and  Forgiveness.  Matt,  xvii,  24 — 
xviii,  35;  Mark  ix,  33-50;  Luke  ix,  46-50. 

STUDY  XXI.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  Mark  ix,  33-50;  Matt,  xviii,  10-14.  To  the 
first  part  of  the  lesson  Jesus  is  imparting  (see  yesterday) 
on  becoming  like  little  children,  is  now  added  the  second 
part  on  receiving  little  children,  or  the  weakest  of  his 
followers. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  110-125;  Geike  II,  245-261;  Stalker,  82,  83; 
Andrews,  861-363 ;  Farrar,  285-288. 

STUDY  XXI.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  xviii,  15-20,  and  note  that  more  clearly 
than  any  other  passage  in  the  Gospels,  it  implies  Church 
organization  and  discipline,  inspired  by  the  intercession 
and  presence  of  Christ  in  response  to  united  prayer.* 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class -work. 

1.  Christ's  views  as  to  money  and  property.  Matt,  v,  40-42 ; 
Luke  vi,  34,  35,  38;  Matt,  vi,  11,  19-33;  xi,  5;  Luke  viii,  2,  3; 
Mark  iv,  19 ;  Matt,  x,  8-10 ;  John  vi,  27 ;  Matt,  xvi,  26  ;  xvii,  24- 
27;  Luke  X,  41, 42;  xii,  13-21;  xiv,  12-14;  xvi,  9-15,  19-31 ;  Mark 
X,  21-30:  Luke  xxi,  1-4;  John  xii,  1-8;  Matt,  xxi,  1-7. 


*Hast.  Bib.  Diet.,  Vol.  11,  pp.  653,  855. 


Third  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.      141 

2.  The  temple-tax,  and  its  collection  and  use.  Edersheim 
II,  111,  112;  Geikie  II,  263-265. 

3.  The  slight  teachings  of  Christ  relating  to  the  Church  as 
compared  with  that  respecting  the  Kingdom.  What  explana- 
tion can  you  ofifer  ? 

4.  Does  Jesus  teach  (Matt,  xviii,  10,)  that  children  will  be- 
come angels,  or  does  he  assert  that  their  guardian  angels  are 
beings  of  especially  high  rank? 

5.  What  is  meant  by  the  words:  "  Every  one  shall  be  salted 
with  fire?"  (Mark  ix,  49.)  A  general  discussion  of  the  figura- 
tive use  of  salt  in  the  New  Testament  is  very  interesting.  (See 
Concordance  and  Commentaries.) 

STUDY  XXI.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  xviii,  21-35,  with  searching  examination 
of  heart,  in  the  light  of  the  final  statement  of  verse  35. 

Questions  for  Written  Answers. 

1.  Had  Christ  probably  paid  the  temple-tax  in  the  previous 
years  of  his  ministry? 

2.  Why  did  he  question  the  rightfulness  of  a  demand  on 
him  to  pay  it  now  ? 

3.  Can  you  state  the  ground  on  which  Christians  should 
yield  their  rights  or  just  claims?     1  Cor.  viii,  13. 

4.  Give  cases  to  which  the  principle  applies. 

5.  What  kind  of  ambition  does  Jesus  approve?  Geikie 
II,  269. 

6.  State  the  Christian  law  of  forgiveness.  Edersheim  II, 
123-125. 

STUDY  XXI.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Matt,  xviii,  21,  22. 

Review  rapidly  the  main  events  of  Christ's  life  to  the 
close  of  Part  IV. 


142        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Personal  Thought. 

"And  he  sat  down,  and  called  the  twelve;  and  he 
saith  unto  them,  If  any  man  would  be  first,  he  shall  be 
last  of  all,  and  minister  of  all." 

Is  my  chief  ambition  to  serve?  Do  I  really  prefer 
that  others  should  have  the  place  of  honor  ?  Do  I  follow 
the  example  of  Christ  as  set  forth  in  John  xiii,  3-5,  12- 
17  ?  What  is  my  place  according  to  the  standard  of  rank 
in  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ? 

Bead  Phil,  ii,  4-11;  Rom.  xii,  10. 


PART  v.— TWENTY-SECOND  "WEEK. 

AT  THE  FEAST   OF   TABERNACLES— DIS- 

COURSES  ON  LIGHT  AND 

FREEDOM. 


STUDY  XXII.— First  Day. 

When  Jesus  reached  Capernaum,  great  caravans  of  pil-  Relatives 

urge  Jesus  to 

grims  were  already  on  their  way  to  Jerusalem,  to  attend  Attend  the 
the  Feast  of  Tabernacles. 

Some  of  his  relatives  from  Nazareth  called  upon  him 
at  this  time,  and  urged  him  to  go  to  Jerusalem  to  the  feast, 
that  he  might  publicly  present  his  work.  "While  they 
seem  to  have  clung  to  the  teaching  of  the  Rabbis,  they 
were  not  altogether  hostile  to  his  work,  and  were  appar- 
ently waiting  to  see  what  turn  things  might  take.  Jesus 
had  not  attended  the  last  Passover,  when  all  the  people 
gathered  in  the  Holy  City,  and,  doubtless,  much  comment 
and  criticism  had  been  made  concerning  his  absence. 

"  Now  .  .  .  the  feast  of  tabernacles  was  at  hand.     His 

brethren  therefore  said  unto  him,  Depart  hence,  and  go 

into  Judaea,  that  thy  disciples  also  may  behold  thy  works 

which  thou  doest.     For  no  man  doeth  anything  in  secret, 

and  himself  seeketh  to  be  known  openly.     If  thou  doest 

these  things,  manifest  thyself  to  the  world.     For  even  his 

brethren  did  not  believe  on  him.     Jesus  therefore  saith 

unto  them.  My  time  is  not  yet  come;   but  your  time  is 

always  ready.     The  world  can  not  hate  you,  but  me  it  hat- 

143 


144        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

eth,  because  I  testify  of  it,  that  its  works  are  evil.  Go 
ye  up  unto  the  feast:  I  go  not  up  yet  unto  this  feast;  be- 
cause my  time  is  not  yet  fulfilled.  And  having  said  these 
things  unto  them,  he  abode  still  in  Galilee."  Doubtless 
the  reason  why  Jesus  declined  going  with  his  brethren, 
was  that  if  he  went  with  the  great  Galilean  caravan,  the 
Pharisees  and  others  would  be  watching  for  him,  and 
would  know  of  his  presence  as  soon  as  the  caravan  arrived, 
and,  perhaps,  would  succeed  in  arresting  him  before  his 
work  was  finished.  He  could  go  up  a  few  days  later,  and 
thus  avoid  publicity.*  Waiting,  therefore,  until  all  was 
quiet,  and  the  people  had  made  up  their  minds  that  he 
was  not  coming  to  the  feast,  he,  with  the  twelve  and  a 
number  of  other  disciples,  started  for  Jerusalem.  **But 
when  his  brethren  were  gone  up  unto  the  feast,  then  went 
he  also  up,  not  publicly,  but  as  it  were  in  secret.  The 
Jews  therefore  sought  him  at  the  feast,  and  said.  Where 
is  he?  And  there  was  much  murmuring  among  the  mul- 
titudes concerning  him :  some  said,  He  is  a  good  man ; 
others  said,  Not  so,  but  he  leadeth  the  multitude  astray." 

Jesus  at  Je*        The  feast  was  at  its  heght   when  Jesus  entered  the 
rusalem. 

city,  and  suddenly  made  his  appearance  in  the  temple, 

and  began  to  teach  those  who  gathered  about  him.  It  was 
not  long  before  he  was  recognized,  and  some  one  cried 
out,  "  Is  not  this  he  whom  they  seek  to  kill?  And  lo, 
he  speaketh  openly,  and  they  say  nothing  unto  him.  Can 
it  be  that  the  rulers  indeed  know  that  this  is  the  Christ?" 
They  seem  to  have  planned  to  arrest  him  at  this  time ; 
but,  coming  late  to  the  feast,  they  are  completely  sur- 
prised and  off  their  guard,  and  hardly  know  what  course 
to  take.     They  were  also  amazed  at  his  power  to  interpret 

"Andrews,  pp.  841-343. 


Third  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.     1 45 

the  Scriptures.    A  humble  Galilean,  he  had  never  attended 
the  schools,  and  they  could  not  help  feeling  that  God 
must  have  taught  him  as  he  did   the   prophets  of  old. 
"  On  the  last  day,  the  great  day  of  the  feast,  Jesus  stood 
and  cried,  saying,  If  any  man  thirst,  let  him  come  unto 
me,  and  drink.     He  that  believeth  on  me,  as  the  scripture 
hath   said,  out    of  his  belly   shall  flow  rivers  of  living 
water.  .  .  ,  Some  of  the  multitude  therefore,  when  they 
heard  these  words,  said.  This  is  of  a  truth  the  prophet. 
Others  said.  This  is  the  Christ.     But  some  said.  What, 
doth  the  Christ  come  out  of  Galilee?     Hath  not  the  scrip- 
ture said  that  the  Christ  cometh  of  the  seed  of  David,  and 
from  Bethlehem,  the  village  where  David  was?    So  there 
arose  a  division  in  the  multitude  because  of  him."     The 
chief  priests  and  Pharisees,  hearing  his  words  and  won- 
dering  why  he  had  not  been  arrested,  asked  the  officers 
charged  with  the  duty,  "Why  did  ye  not  bring  him?    The 
officers  answered,  Never  man  so  spake.     The  Pharisees 
therefore  answered  them.  Are  ye  also  led  astray  ?"    While 
at  Jerusalem,  in  spite  of  the  opposition  against  him,  and 
the  determined  effort  to  arrest  him,  Jesus  succeeded  in 
delivering  several  discourses  recorded  in  the  seventh  and 
eighth  chapters  of  John. 


"As  I  was  musing  the  fire  burned."  This  is 
usually  the  experience  of  the  Bible  student  who  has 
learned  "to  labor  and  to  wait." 


STUDY  XXII.-Second  Day. 

Read  John  vii,  1-13.     Recall  the  close  of  chapter  vi 
in  this  Gospel,  coming  in  lesson  seventeen.     About  six 


146        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

months  have  elapsed,  during  which  Jesus  has  been  still 
working  in  Galilee.  Now  his  brothers  urge  him  to  go 
into  Judea,  that  his  disciples  there  (see  John  iv,  1)  may 
see  his  miraculous  works.  Much  as  with  Mary  at  the 
wedding  at  Cana,  Jesus'  idea  of  the  time  at  which  to  act 
does  not  agree  with  theirs,  but  the  later  step  is  like  what 
they  suggest.  Not,  however,  because  they  suggest  it, 
does  Jesus  go;  but  because  the  time  has  now  come  for 
him  to  begin  the  assertion  publicly  of  his  Messiahship  at 
the  capital  before  the  leaders  of  the  people.  In  a  three- 
fold manner  is  this  to  be  done — at  the  Feasts  of  Taber- 
nacles, Dedication,  and  the  Passover.  Hold  this  main 
idea  in  mind  as  you  read  the  discourses  which  follow  to 
the  time  of  the  crucifixion. 

STUDY  XXII.— Third  Day. 

Eead  John  vii,  14-36.  Dwell  upon  the  vital  principle 
in  verse  17.  It  is  one  which  Jesus  everywhere  uplifts  in 
this  Gospel.  See  how  emphatic  he  now  makes  the  2:)oint 
that  he  is  sent  from  God,  hence  is  the  Messiah,  verses  18, 
28,  29,  33. 

SuggestiouB   for    Map    "Work    and   References   for   the 
Harmony. 

Mark  on  your  map  Jesus'  journey  from  Capernaum  to  Jeru- 
salem, and  his  return  to  Galilee,  as  is  supposed,  immediately 
after  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles. 

Harmony. — Study  XXII.  At  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles. — 
Discourses  on  Light  and  Freedom.     John  vii,  1 — viii,  59. 

STUDY  XXII.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  John  vii,  37-51.  As  the  ceremony,  at  the  Feast 
of  Tabernacles,  of  water-pouring  occurred,  Jesus  probably 


.  Third  Period  of  Galilean  Ministry.     147 

made  the  declaration  in  verse  37 ;  and  as  the  four  great 
golden  candelabra  in  the  court  of  the  women  were  lighted, 
that  of  John  viii,  12.* 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  126-130, 143-176 ;  Geikie  II,  262-290 ;  Andrews, 
365-379;  Fari-ai-,  288-307. 

STUDY  XXII.— Fifth  Day. 

Eead  John  viii,  12-30.  Mark  the  profound  state- 
ments of  verses  12,  23,  24.  No  Avonder  they  ask,  "Who 
art  thou  ?"  (v.  25)  and  that,  as  he  spake  these  things, 
*'many  believed  on  him."     Verse  30. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-work. 

1.  Christ's  attitude  toward  sin.  Matt.  i,21;  iii,  12;  iv,  10; 
John  i,  29;  Matt,  v;  vii,  23;  Mark  iii,  27-29;  ix,  42-48;  John 
viii,  24,  34-36,  44-46  ;  Luke  ix,  52-55 ;  John  ix,  2,  3,  40,  41 ;  Luke 
XV,  1,2,  7,  10,  20-24;  xvi,  14-31;  Matt,  xxiii,  13-39;  xxv,  45, 
46;  John  xv,  22-25;  xvi,  8,  9;  Luke  xxiii,  34;  John  xx,  21-23; 
Luke  xxiv,  47. 

2.  The  Feast  of  Tabernacles  and  the  custom  of  pouring  of 
water  in  connection  therewith.     Edersheim  11,  149,  150,  158. 

3.  The  "  I  ams  "  of  Christ  in  John's  Gospel. 

4.  Why  does  John  note  that  Jesus  proclaimed  himself  in  the 
treasury  as  he  taught  in  the  temple? 

5.  Express  in  your  own  language  the  point  of  Jesus' 
answer  to  the  boast  of  the  Jews  that  they  were  Abraham's 
seed.     (John  viii,  20.) 

6.  What  is  the  nature  of  the  freedom  of  the  followers  of 
Christ? 


♦Edersheim,  Vol.  II,  pp.  ico,  165;  Hast.  Bib.  Diet.,  Vol.  I,  p. 861. 


148        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  XXn. -Sixth  Day. 

Read  John  viii,  31-59.  In  this  section  of  the  dis- 
course, Christ  reveals  the  terrible  bondage  and  connec- 
tions of  sin,  vs.  34,  44;  and  his  power  to  make  free  from 
sin,  V.  36;  and  asserts  in  the  most  sublime  manner  his 
own  sinlessness  and  eternal  existence,  vs.  46,  58. 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  Name  and  locate  the  provinces  of  Palestine.    Bib.  Diet. 

2.  Who  were  authorized  to  teach  in  the  temple? 

3.  Who  are  meant  by  the  rulers  ? 

4.  What  were  the  subjects  of  instruction  in  the  schools  of 
that  time  ?    Bib.  Diet.,  "  Education  ;"  Edersheim  I,  226-233. 

5.  Would  it  have  been  to  Christ's  advantage  to  have  been 
taught  in  them? 

6.  Name  three  noted  Kabbis  of  that  day.  Bib.  Diet., 
••  Scribes ;"  Geikie  I,  275 ;  Edersheim  1, 128, 129. 

STUDY  XXII.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  John  vii,  17. 

Carefully  review  the  course  of  events  through  Part  V. 

Personal  Thought. 

"  If  therefore  the  Son  shall  make  you  free,  ye  shall  be 
free  indeed."    Free  from  what  ? 
Have  I  this  freedom  ? 
Read  John  viii,  32;  Rom.  viii,  1,  2. 


PAET  YI. 
THE  PEREAN  MINISTRY. 


TWENTY-THIRD  'WEEK. 

FROM   FINAL  DEPARTURE  FROM  GALILEE 
TO  ATTENDANCE  AT  FEAST  OF 
DEDICATION. 


STUDY  XXm.— First  Day. 

Months  have  passed  since  Jesus  sent  out  the  twelve  Jesus  sends 
on  their  first  missionary  journey.  Their  mission  at  that  seventy. 
time  was  to  the  Jews  only,  for  the  minds  of  the  disciples 
had  not  been  so  broadened  as  to  believe  that  Jesus  could 
save  Gentiles  as  well  as  Jews.  But  further  teaching  from 
the  lips  of  Jesus,  and  cures  wrought  in  Northern  Galilee 
among  the  Gentiles,  had  removed  much  of  this  prejudice. 
Feeling  that  the  time  was  short,  Jesus  determined  to 
enlarge  his  work  by  sending  out  the  seventy,  who  should 
journey  "two  and  two  before  his  face  into  every  city  and 
place,  whither  he  himself  was  about  to  come,"  and  pro- 
claim their  Master  the  Savior  of  mankind.  Their  com- 
mission was  much  like  that  of  the  twelve.  "Behold,  I 
send  you  forth  as  lambs  in  the  midst  of  wolves.  Carry 
no  purse,  no  wallet,  no  shoes."  They  were  to  "salute  no 
man  on  the  way,"  for  their  business  was  urgent.  They 
were  to  eat  and  drink  such  things  as  were  set  before 
them,  and  show  a  contented  spirit.     Just  how  long  the 

149 


150  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

seventy  continued  this  preaching  tour  we  can  not  tell, 
but  St.  Luke  makes  it  clear  that  when  they  returned  it 
was  "with  joy,  saying,  Lord,  even  the  devils  are  subject 
unto  us  in  thy  name."    As  Jesus  heard  their  story  he  re- 
joiced with  them,  and  said  unto  them,  "Behold,  I  have 
given  you  authority  to  tread  upon  serpents  and  scorpions, 
and  over  all  the  power  of  the  enemy:  and  nothing  shall 
in  any  wise  hurt  you.     Howbeit  in  this  rejoice  not,  that 
the  spirits  are  subject  unto  you;  but  rejoice  that  your 
names  are  written  in  heaven." 
Parable  of        Following  the  account  of  the  return  of  the  seventy, 
Samaritan*!  St.  Luke  records  the  parable  of   the  Good  Samaritan, 
which  has  greatly  stimulated  philanthropy  through  all 
the  history  of  the  Church,  and  which  was  the  beginning 
of  the  greatest  sociological  movement  of  all  time.     "A 
certain  lawyer  stood  up  and  .  .  .  said  unto  Jesus,  And 
who  is  my  neighbor  ?     Jesus  made  answer,  ...  A  cer- 
tain man  was  going  down  from  Jerusalem  to  Jericho ;  and 
he  fell  among  robbers,  which  both  stripped  him  and  beat 
him,  and   departed,    leaving   him   half   dead.     And   by 
chance  a  certain  priest  was  going  down  that  way:  and 
when  he  saw  him,  he  passed  by  on  the  other  side.     And 
in  like  manner  a  Levite  also,  when  he  came  to  the  place, 
and  saw  him,  passed  by  on  the  other  side.     But  a  certain 
Samaritan,  as  he  journeyed,  came  where  he  was :  and  when 
he  saw  him,  he  was  moved  with  compassion,  and  came  to 
him,  and  bound  up  his  wounds,  pouring  on  them  oil  and 
wine;  and  he  set  him  on  his  own  beast,  and  brought  him 
to  an  inn,  and  took  care  of  him.   .   .  .  Which  of  these 
three,  thinkest  thou,  proved  neighbor  unto  him  that  fell 
among  the  robbers?    And  he  said,  He  that  shewed  mercy 
on  him.     And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Go,  and  do  thou 
likewise." 
Jesus  Heals        *'And  as  he  passed  by,  he  saw  a  man  blind  from  his 
Bor*n  BiuTd!  birth.     And  his  disciples  asked  him,  saying.  Rabbi,  who 
did  sin,  this  man,  or  his  parents,  that  he  should  be  born 
blind?     Jesus  answered,  Neither  did  this  man  sin,  nor 


The   Perean   Ministry.  151 

his  parents:  but  that  the  works  of  God  should  be  made 
manifest  in  him."  It  was  a  prevalent  belief  that  all 
disease  and  misfortune  was  a  direct  punishment  from 
God  for  some  particular  sin.  Jesus  undertook  to  cor- 
rect this  gross  error  in  the  thinking  of  the  disciples, 
saying,  "Neither  did  this  man  sin,  nor  his  parents.'* 
Jesus  did  not  say  that  he  had  never  sinned,  nor  that  men 
do  not  pay  the  penalty  for  transgressing  the  laws  of  their 
physical  being;  but  that  this  affliction  of  blindness,  like 
many  other  calamities,  was  not  necessarily  the  result  of 
some  particular  sin. 

At  the  Feast  of  Dedication,  Jesus  more  fully  revealed  Attends  the 
his  Messiahship.  "The  Jews  came  round  about  him,  ication. 
and  said  unto  him,  ...  If  thou  art  the  Christ,  tell  us 
plainly."  Then  he  boldly  declared,  "I  and  the  Father 
are  one;"  as  much  as  to  say,  "I  am  His  Son,  I  am  the 
Savior  of  men."  Then  "the  Jews  took  up  stones  again 
to  stone  him,  ,  .  .  and  he  went  forth  out  of  their  hand." 


It  is  well  each  week  for  the  student  to  select 
some  portion  of  the  lesson  as  a  kind  of  specialty. 
Let  him  go  over  this  one  point  every  day  during 
the  week.  At  the  end  he  will  usually  find  that  his 
ideas  are  greatly  clarified  on  the  subject. 


STUDY  XXIII.— Second  Day. 

Head  Matt,  xix,  1,  2;  Mark  x,  1;  Luke  ix,  51 — x,  24. 
After  weighing  many  different  views  as  to  the  true  order 
of  events  in  Christ's  life  after  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles, 
Andrews  decides  that  the  most  acceptable  is  that  which 
includes  his  return  to  Galilee,  and  puts  the  final  depart- 
ure from  Galilee  a  few  days  before  the  Feast  of  Dedica- 
tion. "It  is  generally  admitted  that  the  starting  point 
was  Capernaum;  the  goal  was  Jerusalem."  So  we  have 
reached  the  time  when  the  province  and  city  most  favored 


152        Studies  in  the  Life   of  Christ. 

in  the  earthly  life  of  our  Lord  are  to  see  his  face  no  more. 
Have  this  thought  in  mind  as  you  read. 

STUDY  XXIII.— Third  Day. 

Read  Matt,  xi,  25-30.  We  feel  a  divine  pathos  in  the 
words  of  Jesus  at  this  period.  He  who,  in  our  reading 
of  yesterday,  was  leaving  the  only  locality  and  city  ever 
called  his  home,  and  was  saying  to  the  scribe,  "The  Son 
of  man  hath  not  where  to  lay  his  head,"  in  our  present 
passage  rejoices  in  the  Holy  Spirit  (Luke  x,  21),  and 
offers  himself  as  the  refuge  of  the  weary  and  heavy  laden 
of  all  centuries,  climes,  and  races. 

Suggestions   for   Map   Work   and   References   for   the 
Harmony. 

Make  a  new  map  for  the  period  of  the  Perean  Ministry,  and 
mark  on  it  the  probable  journey  of  Christ  from  Capernaum  to 
Northern  Samaria,  thence  across  the  Jordan  into  Perea,  and  his 
later  course  to  Bethany  and  Jerusalem. 

Harmony. — Part  VI.  The  Perean  Ministry. — From  the 
Final  Departure  from  Galilee  until  the  Final  Arrival  at  Jeru- 
salem. Study  XXIII.  From  Final  Departure  from  Galilee  to 
Attendance  at  Feast  of  Dedication.  Matt,  six,  1,  2;  viii,  19-22; 
xi,  20-30 ;  Mark  x,  1 ;  Luke  ix,  51— x,  42 ;  John  ix,  1— x,  42. 

STUDY  XXIII.— Fourth  Day. 

Eead  Luke  x,  25-42.  Verses  38-42  give  the  visit  of 
Jesus  to  the  home  of  the  sisters  at  Bethany,  probably  in 
connection  with  his  attendance  at  the  Feast  of  Dedication. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  126-147,  177-196,  233-239;  Geikie  II,  112-114, 
291-308;  Stalker,  109,  110;  Andrews,  365-390,  396-401;  Farrar, 
307-324,  336-338,  341-347 ;  Rhees,  sec.  171. 

STUDY  XXIII.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  John  ix,  and  note  that  the  center  of  the  con- 
tending forces  is  in  this:  "If  any  man  should  confess 
him  to  be  the  Christ"  (verse  22);  and,  "Dost  thou  be- 


The   Perean   Ministry,  153 

lieve  on  the  Son  of  God?"  (verse  35.)  John  probably 
gave  this  very  large  space  to  the  blind  man  incident  be- 
canse  it  so  perfectly  reflected  the  state  of  public  feeling. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-work. 

1.  The  emotional  nature  of  Christ.  John  ii,  17;  iv,  32; 
Mark  iii,  5;  Matt,  xiv,  14;  Mark  vii,  34;  viii,  12;  Luke  x,  21; 
xiii,  32;  John  xi,  33,  35;  Luke  xix,  41;  John  xii,  27;  Luke  xxii, 
14;  John  xiv,  27;  xv,  11;  Matt,  xxvi,  37;  Mark  xvi,  7;  John  xx, 
18;  John  xxi,  12. 

2.  Perea,  its  location  and  people.  Bib.  Diet. ;  Smith  Hist. 
Geo.  H.  L.,  539;  Andrews,  338;  Geikie  I,  314,  315. 

3.  How  fitted  to  be  the  last  field  of  Christ's  ministi*y  before 
the  Passion  Week. 

4.  Let  some  student  make  a  special  study  of  the  Perean 
ministry  (Luke  ix,  51 — xix,  28),  fastening  its  main  points  in  the 
mind,  and  noticing  the  distinctive  features  of  Luke's  record, 
such  as  his  emphasis  on  the  cosmopolitanism  of  Christ,  etc. 

STUDY  XXin.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  John  x,  1-42.  These  wonderful  sayings  of 
Jesus  disclose  his  essential  oneness  with  the  Father,  and 
assure  us  of  our  perfect  and  everlasting  security  if  we 
but  keep  our  souls  in  his  hands.  Note  the  manifest 
improvement  in  the  meaning  as  brought  out  by  the  re- 
visers' translation  of  verses  14  and  15. 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  What  was  the  difference  between  the  mission  of  the 
seventy  and  that  of  the  twelve?  Edersheim  II,  135;  An- 
drews, 381. 

2.  What  did  Christ  mean  in  the  words,  "I  beheld  Satan 
fallen  as  lightning  from  heaven?" 

3.  Have  we  account  of  any  of  Christ's  works  in  Chorazin  or 
Bethsaida? 

4.  Did  Jesus  follow  any  systematic  plan  for  the  evangeliza- 
tion of  Palestine?' 

5.  What  was  a  "lawyer?"     Ox.  Bib. 

6.  What  was  the  difference  between  a  priest  and  a  Levite? 


154        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  XXIII— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Matt.  xi.  28-30. 

Seek,  by  a  careful  survey,  to  grasp  the  great  truths  of 
John,  chapters  vi-x,  and  weigh  these  as  chapter  names : 
6.  Bread;  7.  Water;  8.  Light;  9.  Sight;  10.  Good  Shep- 
herd. (The  discussion  of  these  chapters  in  the  commen- 
taries of  Wescott  and  Godet  is  very  rich.) 

Personal  Thought. 

*'  But  a  certain  Samaritan,  as  he  journeyed,  came  where 
he  was :  and  when  he  saw  him,  he  was  moved  with  com- 
passion, and  he  came  to  him,  and  bound  up  his  wounds, 
and  set  him  on  his  own  beast,  and  brought  him  to  an 
inn,  and  took  care  of  him." 

Are  my  deeds  prompted  by  a  Christlike  compassion? 

Read  1  John  iv,  7-21. 


PART  VI.— TWENTY-FOURTH  "WEEK. 

TEACHINGS,  PARABLES,  AND  MIRACLES  IN 
PEREA. 


STUDY  XXIV.— First  Day. 

When  Jesus  attended  the  Feast  of  Dedication  and  de-  Teaching  in 
Glared  openly,  "  I  and  the  Father  are  one,"  the  Jews  took 
up  stones  again  to  stone  him,  "And  he  went  away  again 
beyond  Jordan  into  the  place  where  John  was  at  the 
first  baptizing ;  and  there  he  abode.  .  .  .  And  many  be- 
lieved on  him  there."  He  thus  resumed  his  ministry  in 
Perea.  The  seventy  had  preceded  him  and  had  opened 
the  work,  and  the  people  were  curious  concerning  his 
coming.  Many  of  the  discourses  which  Jesus  had  deliv- 
ered in  Galilee  were  repeated  in  Perea,  with  now  and 
then  a  few  slight  changes.  For  instance,  Luke  xi,  1-4, 
the  Lord's  Prayer  was  taught  again.  Jesus  also  repeated 
his  teaching  on  moral  cleanliness,  reproving  the  people 
for  foolishly  following  the  details  of  the  ceremonial  law. 
The  opposition  of  the  Pharisees  was  waged  in  much  the 
same  way  as  in  Galilee.  Their  objections  were  almost 
identical,  and  his  discussions  with  them  were  similar. 
His  life  was  now  exceedingly  filled  with  teaching,  and 
many  of  his  greatest  parables  and  discourses  were  de- 
livered. 

One  day,  when  Jesus  was  discoursing  on  the  leaven  of  ''^'"t'*'*  "' 

•"  1    .        T  •  1  .      1  •  '•'^  Foolish 

the  Pharisees,  "  One  out  of  the  multitude  said  unto  him.  Rich  Man. 
Master,  bid  my  brother  divide  the  inheritance  with  me. 
But  he  said  unto  him,  Man,  who  made  me  a  judge  or  a 
divider  over  you  ?  And  he  said  unto  them.  Take  heed, 
and  keep  yourselves  from  all  covetousness:  for  a  man's 
life  consisteth  not  in  the  abundance  of  the  things  which 

155 


156        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

he  possesseth."  And  he  spake  a  parable  unto  them,  say- 
ing, *'  The  ground  of  a  certain  rich  man  brought  forth 
plentifully:  and  he  reasoned  within  himself,  saying, 
What  shall  I  do,  because  I  have  not  where  to  bestow  my 
fruits  ?  And  he  said,  This  will  I  do :  I  will  pull  down  my 
barns,  and  build  greater ;  and  there  will  I  bestow  all  my 
corn  and  my  goods.  And  I  will  say  to  my  soul.  Soul, 
thou  hast  much  goods  laid  up  for  many  years ;  take  thine 
ease,  eat,  drink,  be  merry.  But  God  said  unto  him, 
Thou  foolish  one,  this  night  is  thy  soul  required  of  thee ; 
and  the  things  which  thou  hast  prepared,  whose  shall  they 
be  ?  So  is  he  that  layeth  up  treasure  for  himself,  and  is 
not  rich  toward  God." 
Woman  "And  he  was  teaching  in  one  of  the  synagogues 
Sabbath,  on  the  sabbath  day.  And  behold,  a  woman  which  had 
a  spirit  of  infirmity  eighteen  years ;  and  she  was  bowed 
together,  and  could  in  no  wise  lift  herself  up.  And 
when  Jesus  saw  her,  he  called  her,  and  said  to  her, 
Woman,  thou  art  loosed  from  thine  infirmity.  And 
he  laid  his  hands  upon  her:  and  immediately  she 
was  made  straight,  and  glorified  God.  And  the  ruler 
of  the  synagogue,  being  moved  with  indignation  be- 
cause Jesus  had  healed  on  the  sabbath,  answered  and 
said  to  the  multitude.  There  are  six  days  in  which 
men  ought  to  work:  in  them  therefore  come  and  be 
healed,  and  not  on  the  day  of  the  sabbath.  But  the 
Lord  answered  him,  and  said,  Ye  hypocrites,  doth 
not  each  one  of  you  on  the  sabbath  loose  his  ox  or 
his  ass  from  the  stall,  and  lead  him  away  to  watering  ? 
And  ought  not  this  woman,  being  a  daughter  of  Abra- 
ham, whom  Satan  hath  bound,  lo,  these  eighteen 
years,  to  have  been  loosed  from  this  bond  on  the  day 
of  the  sabbath  ?" 
Three  Para-  «'  j^qw  all  the  publicans  and  sinners  were  drawing  near 
*  unto  him  for  to  hear  him.  And  both  the  Pharisees  and 
the  scribes  murmured,  saying,  This  man  receiveth  sin- 
ners, and  eateth  with  them."     Then  Jesus  delivered  three 


The  Perean  Ministry.  157 

of  his  clearest  parables,  which  were  calculated  to  correct 
the  false  notions  of  the  Pharisees  concerning  God's  atti- 
tude toward  sinners.  The  Pharisees  taught  that  God  re- 
joiced when  the  sinner  perished.  Jesus  taught  that 
"there  shall  be  joy  in  heaven  over  one  sinner  that  repent- 
eth."  The  first  of  these  parables  was  that  of  the  Lost 
Sheep,  the  second,  the  Lost  Coin,  and  the  third,  the  Prod- 
igal Son.  The  last  of  these  is  by  far  the  strongest.  Ten- 
der and  gracious  is  the  heart  of  a  God  who  would  seek  for 
a  sinner  as  a  man  seeks  for  a  lost  animal  or  a  lost  coin, 
but  exceedingly  more  gracious  the  heart  of  God  when 
he  receives  a  sinner  who,  like  the  prodigal,  has  wasted 
the  Father's  earnings  and  returns  in  rags  to  be  reinstated 
in  the  Father's  house. 

At  this  same  time,  he  delivered  two  other  parables,  Two  Para- 
which  are  recorded  in  the  sixteenth  chapter  of  Luke,  the  warning. 
Unjust  Steward  and  Dives  and  Lazarus. 


With  the  complex  material  of  this  week,  the  first 
'work  will  be  to  get  the  essential  facts  clearly  in  the 
memory. 

STUDY  XXIV.— Second  Day. 

Eead  Luke  xi,  1-13.  The  Study  for  this  week  takes 
us  through  the  heart  of  that  section  of  Luke  in  which  he 
alone  gives  the  main  portion  of  Jesus'  words  and  work  in 
Perea.  The  present  passage  enforces  the  point  that  this 
is  the  Gospel  of  Prayer,  and  bears  witness  to  the  addi- 
tional truth  that  it  is  the  Gospel  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  v.  13. 
The  Holy  Spirit  is  named  sixteen  times  in  Luke, 
equaling  the  total  of  Matthew  and  Mark,  and  exceeding 
that  of  John. 

STUDY  XXIV.— Third  Day. 

Eead  Luke  xi,  37-54;  xii,  1-12,  32-48;  xiii,  1-9, 
31-35.     Through  all   these  passages,  amid  the   solemn 


158        Studies  in   the  Life  of  Christ. 

setting  of  woes  and  warnings,  shine  out  the  gracious 
assurances  of  an  all-embracing  providence  for  Christ's 
disciples,  xii,  6,  7,  32;  injunctions  to  watchfulness  and 
fidelity  on  the  part  of  all,  xii,  35-40;  especially  the 
apostles  as  stewards,  xii,  41-48;  and  sorrow  over  the 
doom  awaiting  Jerusalem,  xiii,  34,  35. 

Suggestions   for    Map  "Work    and    References    for   the 
Harmony. 

Mark  on  the  map  the  course  of  Christ  fi*om  Jerusalem  to 
Perea,  and  probably  to  its  northern  part  near  the  scene  of  his 
baptism.     Edersheim  II,  232. 

Harmony. — Study  XXIV.  Teachings,  Parables,  and  Mir- 
acles in  Perea.     Luke  xi,  1-13;  xi,  37 — xvii,  10. 

STUDY  XXIV.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  Luke  xiv,  1-24,  and  again  see  the  emphasis  with 
which  our  thought  is  directed  in  Luke  to  the  poor  and 
unfortunate,  vs.  12-14. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  196, 197,  204-225,  232,  239-283,  298-307;  Geikie 
II,  140-143,  295,  308,  309,  317-339,  341-344 ;  Andrews,  384,  390-397, 
400-404 ;  Farrar,  347,  243-245,  326-335,  230-233,  338,  339. 

STUDY  XXIV.— Fifth  Day. 

Eead  Luke  xv.  The  outreaching  love  of  the  com- 
passionate heart  of  God  for  sinners  is  here  portrayed  in 
the  parable  of  the  Prodigal  Son.  Notice  v.  20.  Easily 
first  of  the  parables  of  grace,  it  may  well  be  regarded  as 
the  greatest  of  all  the  parables. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Glass-work. 

1.  Christ  as  a  soul-winner  and  teacher.  John  i,  35-51 ; 
iii,  1-15;  iv ;  Mark  i,  22,  23;  Luke  v,  27-32;  vii,  47-50;  Mark  iv, 
1,  2;  Matt,  ix,  36-38;  John  vi,  67-69;  Matt,  xv,  21-28;  Luke  x, 
38-42;  XV ;  Mark  x,  13-22;  Luke  xix,  1-10;  Mark  xii,  28-34; 
John  xii,  20-26,  32;  Luke  xxiii,  42,  43. 


The   Perean   Ministry.  159 

2,  Foods,  meals,  and  social  dinners  among  the  Jews  of 
Christ's  time.    Edersheim  II,  205,  210;  Bib.  Diet.,  "Meals." 

3.  Laws  of  inheritance  among  the  Jews.  Bib.  Dict.» 
"Heirs;"  Edersheim  II,  259. 

STUDY  XXIV.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Luke  xvi.  Mark  what  contrasted  lights  and 
shadows  are  placed  beside  each  other  in  Luke.  Just  after 
the  three  parables  of  grace  come  these  two  parables  of 
warning.  The  parable  of  the  Unjust  Steward,  though 
difficult  to  the  beginner,  is  nevertheless  clear  to  the  per- 
sistent student  who  has  grasped  the  method  of  Jesus. 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  In  what  two  places  is  the  Lord's  Prayer  given  7 

2.  To  what  class  of  parables  do  those  of  Luke  mostly  be- 
long?   (See  Study  XIII,  Seventh  Day.) 

3.  Teaching  of  the  parable  of  the  Prodigal  Son. 

4.  Compare  the  attitude  of  the  Pharisees  with  that  of  the 
elder  brother.     Edersheim  II,  263. 

5.  Explain  parable  of  the  Unjust  Steward. 

6.  Write  three  short  statements  of  Jesus  found  in  the  Gospel 
material  for  this  week,  showing  how  we  should  regard  and  use 
money  and  property. 

STUDY  XXIV.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Luke  xii,  6,  7. 

The  third  Gospel  has  almost  certainly,  through  the 
intimate  association  of  the  writer  thereof  with  Paul,  felt 
the  impress  of  that  great  apostle's  thought  and  spirit.  Let 
us,  in  the  light  of  Paul's  life  and  preaching  and  epistles, 
all  of  which  had  gone  before,  consider  each  special  quality 
of  this  Gospel  thus  far  named ;  its  breadth  of  sympathy, 
embracing  all  races  and  conditions;  its  recognition  of 
woman,  of  prayer,  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  its  parables  of  grace, 
and  its  multiplied  contrasts.  More  fully  than  we  at  first 
perceive,  the  Spirit  of  God  may  have  used  the  four 
greatest  natures  among  the  apostles  in  producing  the 
four  Gospels — Matthew,  Peter,   Paul,  and   John.      The 


i6o        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

highest  lives  were  inspired  to  portray,  and  were  thus 
linked  forever  with  "the  Life."  Hast.  Bib.  Diet., 
''Luke;"  The  Historical  New  Testament,  pp.  272,  367; 
Meyer  on  Luke,  Introduction;  The  Messages  of  the 
Books,  p.  75. 

Personal  Thought, 

"  Let  your  loins  be  girded  about,  and  your  lamps 
burning ;  and  be  ye  yourselves  like  unto  men  looking  for 
their  lord,  when  he  shall  return  from  the  marriage  feast; 
that,  when  he  cometh  and  knocketh,  they  may  staightway 
open  unto  him." 

Am  I  working  and  watching  in  the  spirit  of  these 
words? 

Read  Mark  xiii,  34,  37. 


PART  VI.— TWENTY-FIFTH  WEEK. 

LAZARUS  RAISED  AT  BETHANY— WITH- 
DRAWAL TO  EPHRAIM. 


STUDY  XXV.— First  Day. 

While  Jesus  was  exceedingly  busy  with  his  teaching  "''•'e  Death  of 

Lazarus. 

in  Perea,  a  family  in  Bethany  of  Judea,  whom  he  loved, 
were  in  great  distress  over  the  sickness  and  death  of 
Lazarus.  When  the  two  sisters,  Mary  and  Martha,  saw 
that  their  brother  was  dangerously  ill,  they  sent  a  mes- 
senger to  Jesus,  saying,  "Lord,  behold,  he  whom  thou 
lovest  is  sick."  Although  the  message  touched  his  heart, 
either  he  could  not  leave  his  work  or  he  waited  for  the 
leading  of  the  Father,  and  "he  abode  at  that  time  two 
days  in  the  place  where  he  was.  Then  after  this  he 
saith  to  the  disciples.  Let  us  go  into  Judea  again."  The 
disciples,  knowing  the  hatred  of  the  Pharisees,  and  being 
familiar  with  the  plot  to  kill  their  Master,  said  to  him, 
"The  Jews  were  but  now  seeking  to  stone  thee;  and 
goest  thou  thither  again?"  for  Bethany  was  but  two 
miles  distant  from  Jerusalem.  But  they  could  not  hinder 
him,  and  he  said,  "I  go,  that  I  may  awake  him  out  of 
sleep."  Then  said  Thomas  unto  his  fellow-disciples, 
"Let  us  also  go,  that  we  may  die  with  him."  When 
Jesus  reached  Bethany,  he  found  that  Lazarus  had  been 
dead  four  days  and  had  been  buried,  and  many  Jews 

were  present  to  comfort  Mary  and  Martha. 
11  161 


1 62        Studies  in   the  Life  of  Christ. 

TheSympa-        When  Jesus,  therefore,  saw  the  latter  weeping,  and 
thy  of  Jesus.  ,  .       ,  .   . 

the  Jews  also  weeping,  "  he  groaned  in  the  spirit,  and  was 

troubled,  and   said,  Where  have  ye  laid  him?"     They 

said,  "  Lord,  come  and  see."     It  is  at  this  point  that  the 

Gospel  of  John,  which  so  fully  affirms  the  Deity  of  Christ, 

also  permits  us  to  see  the  profoundly  human  side  of  his 

life  and  the  reality  of  his  emotional  nature.      "Jesus 

wept.     The  Jews  therefore  said,  Behold  how  he  loved 

him!  .  .  .  Jesus   therefore   again   groaning   in    himself 

Cometh  to  the  tomb.     Now  it  was  a  cave,  and  a  stone  lay 

against  it." 

Lazarus  Re-        "Jesus  saith.  Take  ye  away  the  stone.  .  .  .  And  Jesus 

stored  to 

Life,  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  said,  Father,  I  thank  thee  that 
thou  heardest  me.  And  I  knew  that  thou  hearest  me 
always:  but  because  of  the  multitude  which  standeth 
around  I  said  it,  that  they  may  believe  that  thou  didst 
send  me.  And  when  he  had  thus  spoken,  he  cried  with 
a  loud  voice,  Lazarus,  come  forth.  He  that  was  dead 
came  forth,  bound  hand  and  foot  with  grave-clothes ;  and 
his  face  was  bound  about  with  a  napkin.  Jesus  saith 
unto  them.  Loose  him,  and  let  him  go."  Some  believed 
on  him.  Some  hastened  back  to  Jerusalem  to  tell  the 
Pharisees  what  had  happened.  Soon  the  city  was  all 
astir,  and  those  in  authority  deliberated  as  to  what  could 
be  done  to  counteract  the  influence  of  this  the  greatest 
of  all  miracle-workers. 
The  Decision         "The  chief  priests  therefore  and  the  Pharisees  gath- 

oftheSanhe-  n       t-,         .i  • 

drin.  ered  a  council,  and  said,  What  do  we?  tor  this  man 
doeth  many  signs.  If  we  let  him  thus  alone,  all  men  will 
believe  on  him:  and  the  Eomans  will  come  and  take 
away  both  our  place  and  our  nation.  But  a  certain  one 
of  them,  Caiaphas,  being  high  priest  that  year,  said  unto 


The  Perean  Ministry.  163 

them,  Ye  know  nothing  at  all,  nor  do  ye  take  account 
that  it  is  expedient  for  you  that  one  man  should  die  for 
the  people,  and  that  the  whole  nation  perish  not.  Now 
this  he  said  not  of  himself:  but  being  high  priest  that 
year,  he  prophesied  that  Jesus  should  die  for  the  nation; 
and  not  for  the  nation  only,  but  that  he  might  also  gather 
together  into  one  the  children  of  God  that  are  scattered 
abroad.  So  from  that  day  forth  they  took  counsel  how 
they  might  put  him  to  death." 

"Jesus  therefore  walked  no  more  openly  among  the  Jesus  with- 
Jews,  but  departed  thence  into  the  country  near  to  the  Ephraim. 
wilderness,  into  a  city   called   Ephraim;   and  there  he 
tarried  with  the  disciples." 


In  the  raising  of  Lazarus  we  have  a  special  op- 
portunity of  realizing  the  difference  between  the 
miracles  of  Christ  and  those  attributed  to  other  re- 
ligious leaders.  The  miracles  of  Jesus  are  wrought 
in  ministration  to  some  human  need,  and  are,  at  the 
same  time,  made  to  carry  a  profound  revelation  of 
himself. 

STUDY  XXV.— Second  Day. 

Read  John  xi,  1-16.  Profound  interest  centers  in  this 
miracle  of  the  raising  of  Lazarus.  It  crowns  the  series 
of  seven  "  signs "  recorded  by  John.*  After  the  prologue 
in  the  first  chapter,  there  are  three  main  parts  to  the 
Fourth  Gospel:  Chapters  i,  19— iv,  54,  cover  an  early 
period  in  which  faith  and  unbelief  respecting  Christ  had 
their  beginnings;  v-xii,  mark  the  growth  of  unbelief  in 

•Messages  of  the  Books,  p.  lOl. 


164        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Israel;  xiii-xxi,  unfold  the  growth  of  faith  in  the  dis- 
ciples.* So  this  supreme  miracle  stands  at  the  point 
where  unbelief  culminates  in  the  council  of  the  leaders 
of  Israel  decreeing  the  death  of  Christ.  Note  what  an 
insight  we  gain  in  the  present  passage  into  the  relation 
between  Christ  and  his  disciples.  We  see  their  frank 
expression  of  thought  and  feeling,  and  their  deep  affec- 
tion and  devotion. 

STUDY  XXV.— Third  Day. 

Read  John  xi,  17-33.  How  delicate  and  consistent 
are  all  the  touches  of  description  by  which  the  qualities 
of  Martha  and  Mary  are  disclosed  both  here  and  in  Luke 
X,  38-42. 

Suggestions   for   Map   "Work   and   References    for    the 
Harmony. 

Mark  on  your  map  the  course  of  Christ  from  Perea  to  Beth- 
any, and  thence  to  Ephraim,  which  may  be  located  either  in 
Northeastern  Judea  or  in  Northern  Perea. 

Harmony. — Study  XXV.  Lazarus  Raised  at  Bethany. — 
Withdrawal  to  Ephraim.    John  xi,  1-54. 

STUDY  XXV.— Fourth  Day. 

Eead  John  xi,  33-38.  Recall  the  great  key-truth  of 
the  prologue,  "  The  Word  became  flesh,  and  dwelt  among 
us."  The  tears  of  Jesus  bear  witness  to  his  complete 
humanity  and  true  emotional  nature,  and  reflect  his  per- 
fect sympathy.  (See  also  Study  XI,  Fifth  Day,  1,  and 
XXIII,  Fifth  Day,  1.) 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  308-326 ;  Geikie  II,  309-317 ;  Stalker,  110,  111 ; 
Andrews,  404-410;  Farrar,  357-364;  Rhees,  sec.  173,  174. 


*Godet  on  John,  Vol.  1,  p.  299. 


The  Perean   Ministry.  165 

STUDY  XXV.— Fifth  Day. 

Bead  John  xi,  39-46.  Every  feature  of  majesty  and 
truth  combines  to  make  this  the  miracle  of  miracles  in 
the  ministry  of  Jesus,  and  the  result  is  a  wider  circle  of 
faith,  and  a  more  determined  center  of  opposition.* 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Glass-work. 

1.  Christ's  power  over  nature,  spirits,  disease,  and  death. 
John  ii,  6-11;  Luke  v,  4-26;  Mark  i,  23-34,  41,  42;  John  v,  21, 
25-29;  Matt,  viii,  13;  Luke  vii,  14,  15;  Mark  iv,  39;  v,  6-8,  41, 
42 ;  Matt,  xiv,  19-21,  25 ;  Luke  ix,  37-42 ;  John  ix,  1-7  ;  x,  17, 18 ; 
xi,  25,  26,  43,  44 ;  Matt,  xxi,  19 ;  John  xx,  6-9. 

2.  The  observation  of  mourning  for  the  dead  among  the 
Jews  by  relatives  and  friends.  Bib.  Diet.,  "  Mourning ;"  Eders- 
heim  II,  316.     (See  also  Study  XI,  Fifth  Day,  2.) 

3.  The  Sanhedrin,  how  composed,  and  its  meetings  and 
privileges.     Bib.  Diet. 

STUDY  XXV.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  John  xi,  47-54.  The  "council"  (verse  47)  was 
a  meeting  of  the  Sanhedrin,  the  highest  Judicial  and 
governing  body  of  the  Jews — not  a  regular  meeting,  but 
a  hasty  gathering  to  deliberate  on  what  should  be  done.f 
Caiaphas,  high  priest  for  that  memorable  year  in  which 
Jesus  was  put  to  death,  unwittingly  uttered  a  far  greater 
truth  than  he  intended. 

Questions  for  Written  Answers. 

1.  What  reason  would  you  assign  for  Jesus'  delay  in  re- 
sponding to  the  call  of  the  sisters? 

2.  Describe  the  location  of  Bethany  with  reference  to  Je- 
rusalem. 


*  Edersheim,  Vol.  II,  p.  308.  +  Andrews,  p.  408. 


1 66        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

3.  Briefly  state  the  doctrine  of  the  resurrection  as  referred 
to  in  verse  24. 

4.  What  is  the  shortest  verse  in  the  Bible  ? 

5.  Put  down  in  order  the  seven  miracles  or  "signs'*  re- 
corded in  John  i-xii. 

6.  What  two  contrasted  effects  were  produced  by  them? 
See  John  xx,  30,  31 ;  xi,  37-43. 

STUDY  XXV.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  John  xi,  25,  26. 

Fix  on  the  name  for  John  xi,  and  review  the  chapter- 
names  for  this  Gospel  up  to  and  including  this  chapter. 

Personal  Thought. 

"The  Jews  were  but  now  seeking  to  stone  thee;  and 
goest  thou  thither  again  ?  Jesus  answered,  Are  there  not 
twelve  hours  in  the  day?  If  a  man  walk  in  the  day,  he 
stumbleth  not.  .  .  .  Let  us  go  unto  him.  Thomas  there- 
fore, who  is  called  Didymus,  said  unto  his  fellow-disciples. 
Let  us  also  go,  that  we  may  die  with  him." 

Have  I  the  purposefulness  of  Jesus  or  the  consecra- 
tion of  Thomas  ? 

Read  Acts  xx,  22-24. 


PART  VI.— TW:E3NTY-SIXTH  tatebk. 

TEACHINGS,     PARABLES,    AND     MIRACLES    IN 
FINAL  JOURNEY  TO  JERUSALEM- 
ANOINTING  AT  BETHANY. 


STUDY  XXVI.— First  Day. 

"And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  were  on  the  way  to  Je-  Jesus  begins 
rusalem,  that  he  was  passing  through  the  midst  of  Samaria  ^^  Jerusalem. 
and  Galilee."  His  brief  retirement  to  Ephraim  was  past, 
and  the  Savior  of  men  prepared  for  his  last  journey  to 
Jerusalem.  We  can  not  be  certain  just  where  each  sep- 
arate discourse  included  in  the  last  few  studies,  was  de- 
livered. But  time  and  place  are  not  most  important; 
well  for  the  student  of  the  life  of  Christ  if  he  catch  the 
inner,  deeper  lesson  which  each  discourse  teaches. 

Somewhere  in  Samaria,  or  Galilee  perhaps,  Jesus  Cleanses  Ten 
cleansed  ten  lepers.  "And  as  he  entered  into  a  certain 
village,  there  met  him  ten  men  that  were  lepers,  which 
stood  afar  off:  and  they  lifted  up  their  voices,  saying, 
Jesus,  Master,  have  mercy  on  us.  And  when  he  saw 
them,  he  said  unto  them.  Go  and  shew  yourselves  unto 
the  priests.  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  went,  they  were 
cleansed.  And  one  of  them,  when  he  saw  that  he  was 
healed,  turned  back,  with  a  loud  voice  glorifying  God; 
and  he  fell  upon  his  face  at  his  feet,  giving  him  thanks: 
and  he  was  a  Samaritan." 

"And  they  brought  unto  him  also  their  babes,  that  he  Blesses  Little 
should  touch  them :  but  when  the  disciples  saw  it,  they 
rebuked  them,"  thinking  doubtless  that  there  were  so 
many  adult  people  present  that  Jesus  could  waste  no 
time  on  these  infant  children.  "  But  Jesus  called  them 
unto  him,  saying.  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto 

167 


1 68        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 


me,  and  forbid  them  not :  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
God.  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  whosoever  shall  not  receive 
the  kingdom  of  God  as  a  little  child,  he  shall  in  no  wise 
enter  therein." 
The  Rich  "And  a  certain  ruler  asked  him,  saying.  Good  Master, 
Young  Ruler.  ^^^^  ^-^^^^  j  ^^  ^^  inherit  eternal  life  ?     And  Jesus  said 

unto  him.  Why  callest  thou  me  good  ?  none  is  good,  save 
one,  even  God.  Thou  knowest  the  commandments,  Do 
not  commit  adultery,  Do  not  kill,  Do  not  steal.  Do  not 
bear  false  witness.  Honor  thy  father  and  mother.  And 
he  said.  All  these  things  have  I  observed  from  my  youth 
up.  And  when  Jesus  heard  it,  he  said  unto  him,  One 
thing  thou  lackest  yet:  sell  all  that  thou  hast,  and  dis- 
tribute unto  the  poor,  and  thou  shalt  have  treasures  in 
heaven:  and  come,  follow  me.  But  when  he  heard  these 
things,  he  became  exceeding  sorrowful ;  for  he  was  very 
rich."  "And  Jesus  looked  round  about,  and  saith  unto 
his  disciples.  How  hardly  shall  they  that  have  riches  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  God !  And  the  disciples  were  amazed 
at  his  words.  But  Jesus  answereth  again,  and  saith  unto 
them.  Children,  how  hard  is  it  for  them  that  trust  in 
riches  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God!" 
Blind  Men  As  Jesus  passed  through  Jericho,  a  multitude  followed 
Near  Jericho,  j^.^^  *' And  behold,  two  blind  men  sitting  by  the  wayside, 
when  they  heard  that  Jesus  was  passing  by,  cried  out, 
saying.  Lord,  have  mercy  on  us,  thou  son  of  David.  And 
the  multitude  rebuked  them,  that  they  should  hold  their 
peace:  but  they  cried  out  the  more,  saying.  Lord,  have 
mercy  on  us,  thou  son  of  David.  And  Jesus  stood  still, 
and  called  them,  and  said.  What  will  ye  that  I  should  do 
unto  you  ?  They  say  unto  him.  Lord,  that  our  eyes  may 
be  opened.  And  Jesus,  being  moved  with  compassion, 
touched  their  eyes :  and  straightway  they  received  their 
sight,  and  followed  him." 
Jesus  Meets  It  was  also  at  Jericho  that  Jesus  met  Zacchaeus.  The 
'  crowd  being  great  and  Zacchgeus  fearing  that  he  might 
not  see  Jesus,  "ran  on  before,  and  climbed  up  into  a  syc- 


The   Perean   Ministry.  169 

amore  tree  to  see  him,  for  he  was  to  pass  that  way.  And 
when  Jesus  came  to  the  place,  he  looked  up,  and  said  unto 
him,  Zacchgeus,  make  haste,  and  come  down;  for  to-day 
I  must  abide  at  thy  house.  And  he  made  haste,  and 
came  down,  and  received  him  joyfully." 

The  incidents  of  this  final  journey  are  now  completed.  Completes 
There  has  been  in  it  the  sadness  arising  from  the  more  ney. 
particular  statement  by  Christ  of  the  approaching  end, 
that  he  is  to  be  delivered  "unto  the  Gentiles  to  mock, 
and  to  scourge,  and  to  crucify."  But  there  has  also  been 
in  it  what  one  writer  calls  "  the  Transfiguration  of  Self- 
sacrifice;"*  so  that,  as  Jesus  went  before  them,  the  disci- 
ples followed  with  a  certain  awe  and  amazement,  at  the 
majesty  of  his  bearing,  and  the  grandeur  of  his  resolution. 
In  addition  to  the  discourses  already  noted,  he  has  shown 
again  that  greatness  in  his  kingdom  is  won  only  by  serv- 
ice, and  has  concluded  his  instructions  with  the  parable 
of  the  Pounds. 

Finally,  six   days    before   the   passover   he   came   to  is  Anointed 
Bethany.     Here  occurred  a  most  significant  event,  con- 
necting the  past  with  the  week  of  suffering  which  was  to 
come, — the  anointing  of  Jesus  by  Mary  with  the  precious 
ointment,  "  in  Bethany,  in  the  house  of  Simon  the  leper." 


at  Bethany. 


Don't  allow  yourself  to  leave  the  morning  lesson 
until  you  have  learned  to  tell  it  vividly  in  your  own 
language. 

STUDY  XXVI.— Second  Day. 

Read  Luke  xvii,  11 — xviii,  14.  Consider  most  deeply 
the  great  truth  in  v.  21.  In  xviii,  1-14,  the  two  parables 
teach  that  urgency,  importunity,  humility,  joined  with 
faith,  V.  8,  and  contrition,  v.  13,  are  qualities  which  make 
prayer  acceptable  and  irresistible. 

*  Farrar,  p.  384. 


170        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  XXVI.— Third  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  xix,  3-15,  and  seek  to  realize  that  the 
words  of  Jesus  here  have  affected  human  society  more 
powerfully  and  beneficently  than  any  others  ever  uttered 
on  the  subject  of  marriage  and  child-life.  They  are  the 
bulwark  of  the  Christian  family  and  home,  and  were 
never  more  needed  than  to-day. 

Suggestions   for   Map   "Work   and   References  for   the 
Harmony. 

Mark  on  the  map  the  course  of  Jesus  from  Ephraim  to 
Bethany  near  Jerusalem.  (The  reading  in  Luke  xvii,  11,  mar- 
gin, "between  Samaria  and  Galilee,"  may  mean  that  Jesus,  in 
starting  from  Ephraim,  which  Edersheim  and  others  locate  in 
Northern  Perea,  first  went  westward  along  the  northern  boun- 
dary of  Samaria  for  a  distance,  perhaps  to  meet  a  pilgrim  band 
from  Galilee,  who  then  accompanied  him  through  Perea  and  by 
way  of  Jericho  to  the  capital.)     Andrews,  410,  412. 

Harmony — Study  XXVI.  Teachings,  Parables,  and  Mir- 
acles in  Final  Journey  to  Jerusalem. — Anointing  at  Bethany, 
Matt,  xix,  3— XX,  34;  xxvi,  6-13;  Mark  x,  2-52;  xiv,  3-9;  Luke 
xvii,  11— xix,  28;  John  xi,  55 — xii,  11. 

STUDY  XXVI.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  Mark  x,  17-52.  The  condition  required  of  the 
young  ruler  was  personal,  and  made  because  Jesus  saw  it 
was  necessary.  The  best  single  word  to  explain  the  rela- 
tion of  Christ's  followers  to  money  and  property  is,  stew- 
ardship. See  Gospel  references,  Study  XXI,  Fifth  Day, 
1,  and  the  booklet,  "Scriptural  Habits  of  Giving,"  pub- 
lished by  Jennings  &  Pye,  Chicago,  111. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  327-360;  Geikie  II,  268,  269,  345-369,  430-433; 
Stalker,  110-115 ;  Andrews,  410-428 ;  Farrar,  324,  325,  348-357, 
864-374 ;  Rhees,  sec.  178. 

STUDY  XXVI.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  xx,  1-16;  Luke  xix,  1-28.  Give  special 
heed  to  these  two  parables  illustrating  principles  of  service. 


The  Perean   Ministry.  171 

The  first  looks  back  to  Peter's  question  and  Jesus'  reply 
in  Matt,  xix,  27-30.  Notice  what  Matthew  records  in 
V.  28  of  marked  interest  to  his  Jewish  readers,  and  the 
words,  "  with  persecutions,"  in  Mark  x,  30.  By  the  para- 
ble of  the  Laborers,  Christ  shows  that  each  of  his  workers 
is  sure  of  a  reward,  but  that  the  motive  of  service  should 
never  be  a  merely  commercial  one.  We  should  serve  in 
the  kingdom  with  hearty  good  will  irrespective  of  "hire " 
to  ourselves  or  others.  The  key  to  the  second  parable  is 
in  the  principle,  unequal  diligence  in  the  use  of  equal 
endowments  unequally  rewarded.* 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-w^ork. 

1.  Christ's  teaching  as  to  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  its  rela- 
tion to  human  society.!  Matt,  v ;  vi,  10,  19-34  ;  vii,  12 ;  xiii ;  ix, 
5-42 ;  John  vi,  15  ;  Mark  vii,  20-23 ;  Luke  x,  25-37 ;  xvi ;  xvii,  20, 
21;  Matt,  xix,  3-30;  Mark  x,  42-45:  Matt,  xxi,  43;  xxii,  15-22; 
xxiv,  14;  XXV,  31-46;  xxvi,  52;  John  xviii,  36,  37;  Matt,  xxviii, 
18-20. 

2.  The  full  and  final  New  Testament  ground  of  divorce. 
Edersheim  II,  333;  Farrar,  348-352;  Bib.  Diet.,  "Divorce." 

3.  Jericho  in  the  Old  Testament  and  in  the  New  Testament. 
Edersheim  II,  349;  Geikie  II,  385;  Smith  Hist.  Geo.  H.  L.,  266. 

STUDY  XXVI.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  John  xi,  55 — xii,  11.  Fix  the  point  that  the  sin- 
ful woman  of  Luke  vii,  36-60,  Mary  Magdalene,  and 
Mary  of  Bethany  are  entirely  distinct  persons,  according 
to  the  judgment  of  most  recent  scholars. |  Also  that  in  the 
view  of  such  the  slight  differences  between  the  several 
Gospels,  as  whether  one  blind  man  or  two  blind  men  at 
Jericho,  whether  Mary  anointed  the  head  or  the  feet  of 
Christ,  or  both,  are  comparatively  unimportant  variations. 


*The  Parabolic  Teaching  of  Christ,  pp.  178-200,  216-225. 

+  Ha8t.  Bib.  Diet.,  Vol.  II,  pp.  619-622,  849-855. 

t  Andrews,  pp.  281-286;  Hast.  Bib.  Diet.,  Vol.  Ill,  pp.  279-286. 


172        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  Give  the  four  previous  occasions  of  mention  of  Samari- 
tans or  a  Samaritan. 

2.  Why  does  Luke  twice  set  "  a  Samaritan  "  in  very  favora- 
ble light  as  compared  with  Jews  ? 

3.  Does  Jesus  in  any  sense  exalt  the  celibate  above  the 
family  ideal  of  life  ?    Geikie  II,  372;  Farrar,  352. 

4.  What  does  the  term  "ruler,"  Luke  xviii,  18,  probably 
mean? 

5.  Why  does  Jesus  say  to  the  young  ruler,  Why  callest  thou 
me  good?    Edersheim  II,  339-341. 

6.  Had  he  kept  the  commandments  in  letter  or  spirit,  or 
both? 

7.  Is  "needle's  eye"  to  be  taken  literally,  or  does  it  mean 
a  gateway,  as  some  have  taught? 

8.  What  was  the  value  in  dollars  of  the  ointment  used  by 
Mary?    Edersheim  II,  358. 

STUDY  XXVI.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Mark  x,  28-30. 

Carefully  review  the  events  and  teachings  of  the 
Perean  Ministry. 

Personal  Thought. 

*'The  kindom  of  God  is  within  you." 

Do  I  carry  within  my  heart  the  principles  and  laws, 
the  obedience  and  aims,  of  the  kingdom  of  God?  And 
is  my  constant  prayer,  "  Thy  kingdom  come,  thy  will  be 
done  in  me  as  it  is  in  heaven  ?" 

Eead  Psalm  xix,  14. 


PAET  YII. 
THE  PASSION  WEEK. 


TWENTY-SEVENTH  WEEK. 

SUNDAY— A  DAY  OF  TRIUMPH. 


STUDY  XXVII— First  Day. 

We  have  now  reached  a  week  in  the  life  of  Christ  The  Passion 

Week 

which,  more  than  any  other,  is  crowded  with  extraordi- 
nary events.  A  whole  lesson  will  be  devoted  to  the  events 
of  each  of  these  days.  This  arrangement  is  strictly  in 
harmony  with  the  minutely-detailed  history  of  this  period 
given  by  the  evangelists,  which  occupies  one-third  of  the 
Gospels. 

For  some  months  Jesus  had  carefully  avoided,  so  far  Jesus  Ap- 
as  possible,  arousing  public  excitement.  His  miracles  ^^j^^*^  ^® 
had  been  performed  quietly,  and  nearly  always  he  had 
requested  those  who  were  cured  to  say  nothing  about  it. 
But  now,  after  calm  deliberation,  he  determined  to  enter 
Jerusalem  publicly,  and  openly  announce  his  claim  to  the 
Messiahship.  "And  when  they  drew  nigh  unto  Jerusa- 
lem, and  came  unto  Bethphage,  unto  the  mount  of  Olives, 
then  Jesus  sent  two  disciples,  saying  unto  them.  Go  into 
the  village  that  is  over  against  you,  and  straightway  ye 
shall  find  an  ass  tied,  and  a  colt  with  her:  loose  them, 
and  bring  them  unto  me.  And  if  any  one  say  aught  unto 
you,  ye  shall  say.  The  Lord  hath  need  of  them;  and 
straightway  he  will  send  them.  .  .  .  And  the  disciples 

173 


174        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

went,  and  did  even  as  Jesus  appointed  them,  and  brought 
the  ass,  and  the  colt,  and  put  on  them  their  garments; 
and  he  sat  thereon.  And  the  most  part  of  the  multi- 
tude spread  their  garments  in  the  way;  and  others  cut 
branches  from  the  trees,  and  spread  them  in  the  way. 
And  the  multitudes  that  went  before  him,  and  that  fol- 
lowed, cried,  saying,  Hosanna  to  the  son  of  David: 
Blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord; 
Hosanna  in  the  highest." 

"  Hitherto  he  had  entered  the  Holy  City  on  foot;  this 
day,  like  David  and  the  Judges  of  Israel,  he  would  ride 
on  an  ass,  the  ancient  symbol  of  Jewish  royalty.  Nor 
must  we  think  of  Western  associations  in  connection 
with  the  subject.  In  the  East  the  ass  is  in  high  esteem. 
Statelier,  livelier,  swifter  than  with  us,  it  vies  with  the 
horse  in  favor.  Among  the  Jews  it  was  equally  valued 
as  a  beast  of  burden,  for  work  in  the  field  or  at  the  mill, 
and  for  riding.  In  contrast  to  the  horse,  which  had  been 
introduced  by  Solomon  from  Egypt,  and  was  used  espe- 
cially for  war,  it  was  the  emblem  of  peace.  To  the  Jew 
it  was  peculiarly  national,  for  had  not  Moses  led  his  wife, 
seated  on  an  ass,  to  Egypt;  had  not  the  Judges  ridden  on 
white  asses;  and  was  not  the  ass  of  Abraham,  the  friend 
of  God,  noted  in  Scripture  ?  Every  Jew,  moreover,  ex- 
pected, from  the  words  of  one  of  the  prophets,  that  the 
Messiah  would  enter  Jerualem  poor,  and  riding  on  an  ass. 
No  act  could  be  more  perfectly  in  keeping  with  the  con- 
ception of  a  King  of  Israel,  and  no  words  could  express 
more  plainly  that  that  King  proclaimed  Himself  the 
Messiah."  (Geikie.) 
PUgrfmsGo  John  tclls  US  that  when  the  multitude  heard  that 
Him.  Jesus  was  coming  again  to  Jerusalem,  they  took  branches 
of  palm-trees,  and  went  forth  to  meet  him.  Many  of 
these  were  doubtless  Galilean  pilgrims,  who  were  proud 
to  claim  him  as  a  prophet  from  their  own  district. 

When  they  saw  him,  and  the  pilgrims  that  were  with 
him,  coming  around  the  brow  of  the  mountain,  riding  on 


The   Passion  Week.  175 


the  colt  of  an  ass,  they  shouted,  "  Hosanna!"  The  cry 
was  taken  up  by  the  crowd  which  were  immediately  about 
Jesus,  saying,  "Hosanna:  blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  even  the  King  of  Israel."  The 
road  was  quickly  strewn  with  mats  and  branches,  and 
with  the  garments  of  the  excited  throng.  As  he  drew 
near  to  the  Holy  City,  there  arose  before  him  a  panorama 
of  its  destruction.  He  was  upon  the  very  soil  where,  a 
generation  later,  the  Roman  army  would  be  encamped, 
besieging  the  Holy  City,  and  laying  waste  its  splendor. 
St.  Luke  declares  that  this  scene  so  overcame  the  Son  of 
God  that  he  wept.  His  mother,  and  those  nearest  him, 
heard  the  lamentation  he  uttered,  and  saw  his  tears  falling ; 
but  the  great  crowd  swept  on,  shouting  and  singing,  down 
into  the  valley  and  up  again  to  the  gate  of  Jerusalem. 
By  this  time  every  one  was  asking,  "  Who  is  this  ?"  The 
Galileans,  proud  of  their  prophet,  replied:  "This  is  the 
prophet,  Jesus,  from  Nazareth  of  Galilee."  The  day  had 
soon  passed,  and  Jesus,  having  accomplished  his  purpose, 
retired  to  Bethany  for  the  night. 


1  he  Trium- 
phal Entry. 


Glance  over  the  material  for  the  week,  and  plan 
your  campaign. 


STUDY  XXVII.— Second  Day. 

Read  Mark  xi,  1-11.  Verse  3,  margin,  "  and  straight- 
way he  sendeth  him  back  again,"  is  probably  to  be  taken 
as  a  part  of  Jesus  message  by  the  disciples,  assuring  the 
owner  of  the  return  of  the  colt. 

STUDY  XXVII.— Third  Day. 

Read  John  xii,  12-19.  Verse  12,  "on  the  morrow," 
namely,  Sunday.  Jesus  had  arrived  at  Bethany,  it  is 
supposed,  on  Friday  or  Saturday;  and  the  "supper" 
(John  xii,  2),  at  which  he  was  anointed  by  Mary,  was 


176        Studies  in   the  Life  of  Christ. 

probably  the  special  festive  meal  of  the  Jewish  Sabbath 
on  Saturday.  The  triumphal  entry  followed  on  Sunday, 
which  of  course,  was  not  then  the  sacred  rest-day.  Notice 
that  John  shows  (vs.  13,  18)  how  it  is  that  the  multitude 
from  Jerusalem  meet  Jesus,  as  now  coming  from  Bethany, 
he  approaches  the  city.     Edersheim  II,  357-366. 

Suggestions    for   Map    "Work   and   References   for   the 
Harmony. 

Make  a  local  map,  including  Jerusalem  and  Bethany,  and 
place  on  it  the  course  of  Jesus  to  the  city,  according  to  the  in- 
dications given  in  Fourth  Day  below,  and  his  return  to  Bethany. 

Harmony. — Part  VII.  The  Passion  Week.  From  the  Final 
Arrival  at  Jerusalem  until  the  Resurrection.  Study  XXVII. 
Sunday— A  Day  of  Triumph.  Matt,  xxi,  1-11;  Mark  xi,  1-11; 
Luke  xix,  29-44;  John  xii,  12-19. 

STUDY  XXVII.— Fourth  Day. 

Eead  Luke  xix,  29-44.  The  allusions  of  Luke  cor- 
respond exactly  to  the  features  of  the  southernmost  of 
the  three  roads  from  Bethany  to  Jerusalem,  which  mark 
on  your  map  if  you  have  access  to  a  map  showing  it. 
Verse  37  indicates  the  point  where  one  catches  the  first 
sight  of  the  city,  but  not  of  the  temple;  v.  41,  the 
point  on  the  southern  shoulder  of  the  Mount  of  Olives 
where  the  road  bends  sharply  to  the  north  and  west,  giv- 
ing a  commanding  view  of  Jerusalem  with  the  temple 
area  in  the  foreground.     Andrews,  433,  434. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  361-373 ;  Geikie  II,  370-377  ;  Stalker,  115-117 ; 
Andrews,  421-436;  Farrar,  374-380;  Rhees,  sec.  179. 

STUDY  XXVII.— Fifth  Day. 

Eead  continuously  Mark  i,  1 — iii,  6.  The  brief  Gos- 
pel material  for  this  and  the  next  Study  permits  us  to 
make  a  rapid  review  of  Christ's  life  from  his  baptism  to 
the  Passion  Week  in  six  sections  of  the  swift-moving 


The   Passion  Week.  177 

Gospel  of  Mark.  Even  the  longest  section,  103  verses, 
a  week  hence,  takes  but  ten  minutes  of  continuous  read- 
ing. The  sections  which  are  here  assigned  are  adjusted 
to  the  Parts  in  the  Outline  as  given  on  pages  15-20,  this 
one  covering  Parts  II  and  III.  Notice  in  this  passage 
the  many  persons  with  whom  Jesus  comes  in  contact, 
and  make  a  list  of  at  least  ten  of  them  in  the  Harmony. 
Also  put  down  how  much  of  Mark  belongs  in  Part  II, 
and  how  much  in  Part  III,  and  enter  these  divisions, 
with  their  titles,  at  the  proper  places  in  the  margin  of 
the  Testament  from  which  you  read. 

Topics  For  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-work. 

1.  Christ's  conception  of  the  church,  and  of  religion,  prayer, 
and  worship.  Luke  ii,  49;  John  ii,  14-16;  iv,  21-24;  Matt,  vi, 
1-18 ;  xvi,  18, 19 ;  xviii,  10-22 ;  John  x,  1,  7-9, 16 ;  Luke  xviii,  9-14 ; 
xxii,  17-20;  Matt,  xxvi,  30;  John  xiii,  34,  35;  xiv;  xv,  1-8;  xvi, 
23,  24;  xvii;  xx,  19-29;  xxi,  15-17;  Matt,  xxviii,  18-20;  Acts  i, 
4,5,8;  Luke  xxiv,  50-53. 

2.  Triumphal  entry  of  kings. 

3.  Bethany,  Bethphage,  and  the  Mount  of  Olives.  Bib. 
Diet. ;  Oxford  Bible  ;  Andrews,  429. 

STUDY  XXVII.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  continuously  Mark  iii,  7 — iv,  34.  The  passage 
opens  Part  IV,  and  extends  to  the  close  of  the  day  of 
parables.  Enter  in  your  Testament,  in  the  margin  of 
Mark  iii,  7,  Part  IV,  Second  Period  of  the  Galilean  Min- 
istry. Note  again  some  of  the  persons  with  whom  Jesus 
comes  in  contact. 

Questions  for  Written  Answers. 

1.  What  were  the  beasts  of  burden  in  Palestine? 

2.  Why  did  Jesus  make  the  triumphal  entry?  Edersheim 
II,  363  ;  Rhees,  sec.  179. 

3.  Where  is  a  pi-ophecy  found  of  this  event? 

4.  What  foreseen  event  in  later  history  added  to  Jesus' 
grief  at  sight  of  the  city?    Edersheim  II,  369,  370. 

12 


178        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  XXVn— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  John  xii,  19. 

See  that  you  have  a  complete  possession  of  the  eight 
parts  of  the  life  of  Christ — as,  Part  I,  The  Thirty  Years 
of  Private  Life ;  Part  II,  Opening  Events  of  Christ's  Min- 
istry; Part  III,  Early  Judean  and  Galilean  Ministry — so 
that  you  can  give  them  rapidly  from  memory;  and  also 
see  that  you  have  a  clear  idea  of  the  period  that  each  one 
covers. 

Personal  Thought. 

"And  when  he  drew  nigh,  he  saw  the  city  and  wept 
over  it,  saying.  If  thou  hadst  known  in  this  day,  even 
thou,  the  things  which  belong  unto  peace :  but  now  they 
are  hid  from  thine  eyes." 

Do  I  share  the  grief  of  Jesus  over  the  unspiritual 
state  of  men?  and  am  I  deeply  concerned  for  the  relig- 
ious wellbeing  of  some  city  or  community? 

Read  Bom.  ix,  1-3. 


PART  VII.— T  W JdNTY-EIO-HTH  WEEK. 
MONDAY— A  DAY  OF  AUTHOEITY. 


STUDY  XXVni.— First  Day. 

"From  the  city  to  the  village  it  seems  to  be  but  a  Bethany, 
short  journey;  in  point  of  mileage,  indeed,  it  was  noth- 
ing but  an  easy  walk.  From  the  city  into  Bethany — 
how  far  is  that  ?  Do  not  tell  me  the  distance  in  miles — 
statute  or  geographical — such  journeys  have  not  to  be 
measured  by  arithmetical  instruments.  From  the  city 
to  Bethany  was  from  a  battlefield  to  a  home — how  far  is 
that  ?  From  the  city  to  Bethany,  a  journey  from  tumult 
and  riot  and  murder  to  love  and  rest  and  tender  min- 
istry. Who  can  lay  a  line  upon  that  diameter,  and  an- 
nounce its  length  in  miles  ?  None.  The  house  at 
Bethany  was  not  grand,  but  the  home  was  lined  with  the 
gold  of  love.  It  was  a  church  in  the  rocks,  it  was  a 
sweet  sanctuary,  just  out  of  the  great  highroad  of  life's 
business  and  sacrifice.  Can  you  retire  to  such  a  nest? 
Happy  is  your  lot!  He  who  can  find  a  Bethany,  a  home, 
a  rest-place,  a  Sabbath  in  the  midst  of  the  week,  can 
bear  his  burdens  with  equanimity  and  grace  and  hope." 
(Parker.) 

It  was  from  such  a  home  that  Jesus  started  back  to 

the  city  early  Monday  morning,  that  he  might  avoid  the 

tumult  and  display  of  the  day  before.     By  the  roadside 

179 


i8o       Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Curses  the  i^q  gg,-^  ^  solitary  fig-tree  in  leaf.  This  was  a  sure  sign  of 
fruit,  unless  the  tree  be  barren,  for  the  fruit  always  sets 
upon  the  fig-tree  in  Palestine  before  the  leaves  appear. 

But  going  to  it,  "he  found  nothing  but  leaves."  He, 
therefore,  cursed  the  fig-tree,  saying  unto  it,  "Let  there 
be  no  fruit  from  thee  henceforward  forever.  And  im- 
mediately the  fig-tree  withered  away."  This  fig-tree 
vaunted  itself  by  putting  forth  of  leaves,  challenging  the 
passer-by  to  come  and  find  at  least  green  fruit.*  When 
the  Lord  drew  near,  it  proved  to  be  without  fruit. 

Some  have  regarded  this  as  a  harsh  judgment,  scarcely 
to  be  expected  from  a  wise  Creator,  against  a  tree  inca- 
pable of  good  or  evil.  Christ's  other  miracles  were  those  of 
mercy — opening  blind  eyes,  unstopping  deaf  ears,  curing 
the  lame,  and  raising  the  dead ;  this  was  his  only  miracle 
of  judgment,  and  this  pronounced  against  a  tree,  without 
feeling,  that  it  might  become  a  symbol,  and  impress  the 
disciples  as  an  acted  parable.  The  sin  of  Israel  was  not 
so  much  that  it  had  no  fruit,  but  that,  having  none,  it 
boasted  so  much. 
Second        Upon  arrival  at  the  city,  Jesus  once  more  entered  the 

Cleansing  of  ^  "' 

the  Temple,  temple.  About  two  years  before  this  he  had  cleansed  the 
outer  court  of  the  house  of  God,  but  gradually  the  love 
of  gain  had  restored  the  profaning  traffic.  It  was  doubly 
offensive  to  him  after  the  zealous  deed  of  his  earlier  min- 
istry; and  he  "cast  out  all  them  that  sold  and  bought 
in  the  temple,  and  overthrew  the  tables  of  the  money- 
changers, and  the  seats  of  them  that  sold  the  doves ;  and 
he  saith  unto  them,  It  is  written.  My  house  shall  be  called 
a  house  of  prayer:  but  ye  make  it  a  den  of  robbers." 


*Edershelm,  Vol.  II,  pp.  374-376;  Hast.  Bib.  Diet.,  art.  "  Figs." 


The  Passion  Week.  i8i 

Soon  the  temple  courts  were  thronged  by  the  multi-  Children 

Shout 

tude,  curious  to  know  what  this  Galilean  would  do  next.  Hosanna. 
In  the  midst  of  the  excitement,  children  shout,  "  Hosanna 
to  the  Son  of  David."  When  the  chief  priests  and  scribes 
heard  this  cry,  they  said  unto  Jesus,  "Hearest  thou  what 
these  are  saying?"  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  "Yea: 
did  ye  never  read,  Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and  suck- 
lings thou  hast  perfected  praise  ?  And  he  left  them,  and 
went  forth  out  of  the  city  to  Bethany,  and  lodged  there." 


Now,  as  your  vvrork  is  drawing  to  a  close,  is  the 
time  for  unsparing  toil.  To  have  anything  like  a 
clear  view  of  the  life  of  Christ,  as  a  whole,  is  worth 
a  large  amount  of  sacrifice. 


STUDY  XXVIII.— Second  Day. 

Eead  Mark  xi,  12-18;  Luke  xix,  47,  48;  Matt,  xxi, 
14-17.  Observe  that  when  the  temple  was  cleansed, 
Jesus  there  healed  the  blind  and  the  lame,  and  taught 
the  multitude,  till  the  hearts  of  the  children  overflowed 
with  praise.     What  lesson  has  this  for  us  ? 

STUDY  XXVIII.— Third  Day. 

Eead  continuously  Mark  iv,  35 — vi,  13.  This  is  the 
middle  portion  of  Part  IV.  The  period  began  with  the 
choice  of  the  twelve  to  be  with  Christ  for  training.  Now, 
at  the  close  of  our  passage,  they  are  going  forth  two  by 
two,  independently,  to  preach  and  work.  Add  further  to 
your  list  of  persons  whom  Mark  records  Jesus  to  have  met. 


1 82        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Suggestions    for   Map   "Work    and    References   for   the 
Harmony. 

Trace  on  your  map  Jesus'  possible  way  from  Bethany  to 
the  temple,  and  return  by  the  road  passing  north  of  Olivet. 

Harmony.— Study  XXVIII.  Monday— A  Day  of  Author- 
ity.    Matt,  xxi,  12-19;  Mark  xi,  12-19;  Luke  xix,  45-48. 

STUDY  XXVIII.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  continuously  Mark  vi,  14 — vii,  23.  This  pas- 
sage concludes  Mark's  record  of  Part  IV,  Second  Period 
of  the  Galilean  Ministry.  Note  that  he  treats  this  period 
more  fully  than  any  other,  perhaps  because  it  embraces 
the  sphere  of  Jesus'  widest  activities  and  mighty  deeds. 
For  Mark's  is  the  Gospel  of  action;  it  is  realistic,  and 
"  manifests  Jesus  as  he  was  in  daily  actual  life,  living 
and  working  among  men  in  the  fullness  of  his  energy,  in 
the  awe-inspiring  grandeur  of  his  human  personality  as 
a  man,  who  was  also  the  incarnate  and  wonder-working 
Son  of  God."     (Farrar.) 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  374-379;  Geikie  II,  380;  Stalker,  117;  An- 
drews, 436-438;  Farrar,  379-381 ;  Rhees,  sec.  181. 

STUDY  XXVIII.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  continuously  Mark  vii,  24 — ix,  50.  This  is  the 
longest  section  in  our  rapid  review  reading  of  Mark,  and 
it  traverses  the  whole  of  Part  V,  Third  Period  of  the 
Galilean  Ministry,  which  enter  in  the  margin  of  your 
Testament  opposite  vii,  24,  and  insert  in  your  Harmony 
list  the  new  characters  with  whom  Jesus  comes  in  contact. 


The   Passion  Week.  183 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Olass-^vork. 

1.  The  originality  and  independence  of  Jesus  relative  to  the 
ideas  and  standards  of  his  time.     Luke  ii,  46,  47;  John  iii,  3-13 
iv,  27;  Matt,  ix,  11,  14-17;  v,  21;  vi,  1-18;  vii,  28;  xiii,  17,  52 
John  vi,60,66;  Mark  vii,  14-23;  Luke  x,  29-37;  xv,  2;  xviii,  14 
Matt,  xix,  9  ;  Mark  x,  13-16,  23-26,  42,  43 ;  xi,  15-19,  27-33  ;  Matt. 
xxii,  29-33;  Acts  i,  6-8. 

2.  A  brief  history  of  the  temple  buildings  from  Solomon  to 
date.     Bib.  Diet. ;  Oxford  Bible. 

3.  Mark  on  the  ground-plan  of  this  temple  the  probable 
location  of  the  ti'affickers.     See  Study  V,  Fifth  Day,  Topic  2. 

STUDY  XXVIII.— Sixth  Day. 

Eead  continuously  Mark  x  and  xiv,  3-9.  Mark  here 
puts  into  a  little  more  than  one  chapter  all  that  he  gives 
of  Part  VI,  for  which  Luke  takes  about  ten  chapters. 
Enter  in  the  margin  of  x,  1,  Part  VI,  The  Perean  Minis- 
try, and  fill  out  the  list  of  persons  with  whom  Jesus 
comes  in  contact. 

Questions  for  Written  Answers. 

1.  In  what  home  did  Jesus  probably  abide  during  Passion 
Week? 

2.  Did  Jesus  ever  modify  any  expression  of  opinion  or 
judgment  ? 

3.  Is  there  record  of  any  earlier  cases  of  healing  by  Christ 
in  the  temple? 

4.  To  which  is  a  church  building  to-day  to  be  compared,  to 
the  Jewish  temple  or  to  a  synagogue  ? 

5.  Are  places  of  worship  now  to  be  kept  sacred?  If  so,  on 
what  ground  ? 

6.  What  is  it  to  keep  a  church  sacred  to  the  service  of  God? 


184        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  XXVIII.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Matt,  xxi,  15,  16. 

Review  your  entire  list  of  those  with  whom  Jesus 
came  in  contact  as  given  by  Mark  up  to  date,  and  con- 
sider the  effect  upon  each. 

Personal  Thought. 

"My  house  shall  be  called  a  house  of  prayer.'* 
Does  prayer,  worship,  and  communion  with  God  de- 
tine  the  really  vital  and  consciously  delightful  and  domi- 
nant factor  in  my  association  with  the  place  I  call  the 
house  of  God  ? 

Read  1  Chron.  xvi,  29-36. 


PART    VII.— TWENTY-NINTH  "WEEK. 
TUESDAY— A  DAY  OF  CONFLICT. 


STUDY  XXIX.— First  Day. 

Dr.  Edersheim  says  concerning  this  day:  "The  rec-  Christ's  Last 
ord  of  this  day  is  so  crowded,  the  actors  introduced  on  ^*"''*'"fl-'^^>'- 
the  scene  are  so  many,  the  occurrences  so  varied,  and  the 
transition  so  rapid,  that  it  is  even  more  than  usually  dif- 
ficult to  arrange  all  in  chronological  order.  Nor  need 
we  wonder  at  this,  when  we  remember  that  this  was,  so 
to  speak,  Christ's  last  working-day — the  last,  of  his  pub- 
lic mission  to  Israel ;  the  last  day  in  the  temple ;  the  last, 
of  teaching  and  warning  to  the  Pharisees  and  Sadducees; 
the  last,  of  his  call  to  national  repentance." 

On  Monday  the  Jews  stood  in  awe  of  Jesus,  and  no  His  Authority 
one  attempted  to  lay  hands  on  him  or  to  dispute  his  au-  ^•'^"^"o^'i- 
thority.  Tuesday  morning  the  leaders  were  so  maddened 
that  all  day  long  his  authority  was  challenged.  "And 
when  he  was  come  into  the  temple,  the  chief  priests  and 
elders  of  the  people  came  unto  him  as  he  was  teaching, 
and  said.  By  what  authority  doest  thou  these  things  ?  Or 
who  is  he  that  gave  thee  this  authority  ?  And  he  answered 
and  said  unto  them,  I  also  will  ask  you  a  question ;  and 
tell  me:  The  baptism  of  John,  was  it  from  heaven,  or 
from  men  ?  And  they  reasoned  with  themselves  saying. 
If  we  shall  say,  From  heaven ;  he  will  say.  Why  did  ye 
not  believe  him  ?  But  if  we  shall  say,  From  men ;  all  the 
people  will  stone  us :  for  they  be  persuaded  that  John 
was  a  prophet.  And  they  answered,  that  they  knew  not 
whence  it  was.  And  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Neither  tell 
I  you  by  what  authority  I  do  these  things."     Their  ques- 

185 


1 86        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

tions  eliciting  no  satisfactory  answer,  the  Pharisees  re- 
tired to  the  council  chamber  to  devise  plans  by  which  to 
entrap  him.  ' '  Then  went  the  Pharisees,  and  took  council 
how  they  might  ensnare  him  in  his  talk." 

His  Three  Jesus  continued  speaking,  and  delivered  three  para- 
'  bles  of  warning.  The  first  was  the  parable  of  Two  Sons, 
the  second  the  parable  of  the  Wicked  Husbandmen,  the 
third  the  parable  of  the  Wedding  of  the  King's  Son.  All 
these  parables  were  directed  against  the  authorities  of  the 
Jewish  Church  and  so  enraged  them  that  they  openly 
attempted  his  arrest  and  destruction,  but  did  not  succeed 
because  most  of  the  multitude  about  him  were  his  friends 
and  hindered  them  in  so  doing. 
Result  of  The  deliberations  in  the  council  resulted  in  the  return 
*  of  the  authorities  with  questions  which  they  presented  to 
Jesus  with  a  hope  that  they  might  ensnare  him  by  involv- 
ing him  with  the  government,  or  by  proving  him  ignorant 
upon  some  point  of  law  or  religion.  Since  the  sentence 
of  death  could,  at  this  time,  be  pronounced  only  by  the 
Roman  government,  this  was  a  very  shrewd  device  on  the 
part  of  the  Jews;  for  if  the  Roman  government  found 
reason  to  proceed  against  Jesus,  it  would  shift  the  respon- 
sibility from  them,  and  make  his  overthrow  easy. 

Herodians        The  first  to  come  were  the  Herodians,  who  were  Jew- 

Silenced 

'  ish  royalists,  who  affected  great  loyalty  to  the  govern- 
ment. They  ask,  "Is  it  lawful  to  give  tribute  unto 
Caesar,  or  not?"  their  purpose  being  to  bring  him  into 
collision  with  the  civil  authorities.  Jesus  replied,  saying, 
"Bring  me  a  penny,  that  I  may  see  it,"  and  when  they 
had  done  so  he  asked,  "  Whose  is  this  image  and  super- 
scription ?"  and  they  said  unto  him,  "  Caesar's."  And 
Jesus  said  unto  them,  "Render  unto  Caesar  the  things 
that  are  Caesar's,  and  unto  God  the  things  that  are  God's." 
The  Herodians  silenced,  the  Sadducees  asked  a  ques- 
tion about  the  resurrection,  intending  to  provoke  a  laugh 
at  Christ's  expense.     They  did  not  believe  in  the  immor- 


The   Passion  Week.  187 


tality  of  the  soul  or  the  resurrection,  therefore  they  now  ^^J^""" 
attempted  to  ridicule  the  doctrine.     Jesus,  knowing  their  shame. 
motive,  wisely  replied,  "When  they  shall  rise  from  the 
dead,  they  neither  marry  nor  are  given  in  marriage ;  but 
are  as  angels  in  heaven." 

When  the  Pharisees  heard  that  he  had  put  to  silence  Scribe 

Answered. 

the  Sadducees,  they  gathered  themselves  together  to  put 
forth  a  scribe  to  ask,  "Master,  which  is  the  great  com- 
mandment in  the  law?"  And  he  said,  "  Thou  shalt  love 
the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul, 
and  with  all  thy  mind.  This  is  the  great  and  first  com- 
mandment. And  a  second  like  unto  it  is  this,  Thou  shalt 
love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.  On  these  two  command- 
ments hangeth  the  whole  law,  and  the  prophets." 

Jesus  ended  this  conflict  with  the  scribes,  Pharisees,  ^^J^J^* 
and  Sadducees,  by  uttering  one  of  the  most  scathing  de- 
nunciations possible,  which  is  recorded  in  Matt,  xxiii. 


The  Bible  student  should  be  on  the  lookout  for 
occasions  when  he  can  give  a  certain  amount  of 
consecutive  time  to  his  study.  Certain  results  can 
only  be  achieved  by  occasional  seasons  of  prolonged 
application. 


STUDY  XXIX.— Second  Day. 

Read  Mark  xi,  20-33.  Xote  that  Christ's  withering 
of  the  fruitless  fig-tree,  his  only  miracle  of  judgment,  is 
fully  justified  by  the  profound  impression  produced  on 
the  disciples,  enforcing  the  lesson  -they  needed  now  to 
learn,  that  the  Jewish  state  could  not  stand  across  the 
path  of  the  kingdom  of  God.  Its  mountain-like  opposi- 
tion must  give  way,  and  all  things  conform  to  the  power 


1 88        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

of  Grod,  responsive  to  faith  and  prayer.  There  was  a 
deep  reason  in  the  answer  of  Christ  to  the  challenge  of 
his  authority.  The  authority  of  the  truth  and  of  God's 
call  and  inspiration,  each  represented  in  John,  has  ever 
been  a  vital  factor  in  the  growth  of  Christ's  true  work 
among  men. 

STUDY  XXIX.— Third  Day. 

Read  Matt,  xxi,  28 — xxii,  14.  We  are  now  to  see  with 
what  absolute  fearless  and  unsparing  fidelity  Christ  is  to 
honor  the  principle  of  the  truth  as  an  authority,  before 
which  the  traditional  privileges,  dignities,  and  profes- 
sions of  men  become  nothing.  Meditate  on  the  state- 
ments of  xxi,  31,  32,  43;  xxii,  7. 

Suggestions    for   Map   "Work   and    References    for   the 
Harmony. 

Mark  the  course  of  Christ  on  your  map  fi-om  Bethany  to 
Jerusalem  and  return,  by  the  middle  path,  to  the  western  slope 
of  the  Mount  of  Olives,  where  he  gave  the  discourse  which  will 
be  considered  in  the  next  study. 

Harmony.— Study  XXIX. — Tuesday — A  Day  of  Conflict. 
Matt,  xxi,  20 — xxv,  46;  Mark  xi,  20 — xiii,  37;  Luke  xx,  1 — xxi, 
38;  Johnxii,  20-50. 

STUDY  XXIX.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  Mark  xii,  13-37.  Eecognize  that  we  have  re- 
corded here  the  most  remarkable  demonstration  of  the 
ability  of  Christ  infallibly  to  answer  every  question  and 
to  confound  the  wisdom  of  men.     See  Matt,  xxii,  46. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  375-377,  380-430;  Geikie  II,  380-414;  Stalker, 
117,  118,  121,  122;  Andrews,  438-445;  Farrar,  393-408;  Rhees, 
sees.  182-186. 


The  Passion  Week.  189 

STUDY  XXIX.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  Matt,  xxiii.  In  this  chapter  we  see  that  the 
Prince  of  Peace  hath  a  sword.  Our  thought  is  led  to  the 
symbolism  of  Rev.  i,  16,  "  Out  of  his  mouth  proceedeth  a 
sharp  two-edged  sword."  There  are  times  when  the  blade 
of  truth  must  smite  sin  and  pierce  to  the  heart  of  iniquity. 
What  strength  of  manhood  and  majestic  heroism  clothe 
Christ  in  the  utterances  of  this  chapter,  such  as  have 
glorified  the  greatest  prophets  and  reformers !  Yet  what 
balance,  to  hold  the  position  of  vs.  2,  3,  till  the  time 
arrives  when  the  leaders  of  the  new  kingdom  shall  be  pre- 
pared to  replace  these  of  the  older  order ! 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-work. 

1.  Christ  as  a  preacher  and  controversialist.  John  ii,  18-20 ; 
Luke  iv,  16-30;  Matt,  iv,  16,  23-25;  Mark  i,  38,  39;  ii,  6-11, 
18-22;  John  v;  Matt,  v-vii ;  Mark  iii,  22-27;  iv,  33,  34;  Matt. 
XV,  1-14 ;  xvi,  1-4  ;  John  viii,  31-59 ;  Luke  x,  25-37  ;  John  x,  24-38 ; 
Luke  XX,  1-8;  Matt,  xxii,  15-45;  xxiii-xxv. 

2.  How  Rabbis  were  authorized  to  teach  and  ordained. 

3.  Herodians.  Bib.  Diet. ;  Oxford  Bible  ;  Rhees,  14 ;  Eders- 
heim  II,  384. 

4.  What  did  Jesus  mean  when  he  said,  "  Call  no  man  your 
father  on  the  earth?"     (Matt,  xxiii,  9.) 

STUDY  XXIX.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Mark  xii,  41-44;  John  xii,  20-50.  Note  that 
once  more  the  deed  of  a  woman  is  immortalized  by  the 
words  of  Christ,  much  as  was  Mary's  act  of  anointing. 
See  also  the  beautiful  and  timely  significance  of  the  com- 
ing of  these  Greek  inquirers,  perhaps  the  token  from  the 
West  at  the  close  of  Christ's  life  answering  to  that  from 
the  East  at  the  beginning  in  the  visit  of  the  Magi,  of  his 
future  universal  dominion  over  men's  hearts.  No  wonder 
it  caused  the  fundamental  note  of  sacrifice  and  conse- 


1 90        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

quent  glory  to  sound  in  Jesus'  nature,  and  called  forth 
the  third  attestation  by  the  Father  in  audible  words  of 
the  perfect  approval  of  the  Son. 

Questions  for  Written  Answers. 

1.  When  Christ  entered  the  temple  Tuesday  morning  of 
Passion  "Week,  who  met  him,  and  with  what  demand? 

2.  What  parables  did  he  deliver  that  morning? 

3.  What  questions  were  put  to  him? 

4.  What  counter  questions  did  he  propose? 

5.  Give  a  list  of  the  vices  for  which  Jesus  denounced 
the  Pharisees.  Edersheim  II,  411-414;  Geikie  II,  427-429^ 
Farrar,  400. 

6.  Do  such  vices  exist  to-day? 

STUDY  XXIX.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  John  xii,  24,  32. 

Give  your  chapter-name  to  John  xii,  and  write  it  in 
the  Harmony. 

Personal  Thought. 

* '  Behold  I  have  made  ready  my  dinner :  my  oxen  and 
my  fatlings  are  killed,  and  all  things  are  ready.  .  .  . 
But  they  made  light  of  it,  and  went  their  ways,  one  to 
his  own  farm,  another  to  his  merchandise." 

Does  Christ  really  have  the  pre-eminence  in  my  life; 
is  he  really  Master  and  Lord ;  is  my  first  thought  in  the 
morning  about  him ;  or  do  I  give  the  things  of  the  world 
the  right  of  way  ? 

Have  I  heeded  his  invitation  ? 

Eead  Heb.  ii,  1-3. 


PART  VII.— THIRTIETH  "WEEK. 
WEDNESDAY— A  DAY  OF  EETIREMENT. 


STUDY  XXX.— First  Day. 

Jesus  had  left  the  temple  courts  toward  the  close  of  Discourse  oo 
Tuesday,  and  gone  out  to  the  Mount  of  Olives  to  spend  oiives. 
some  time  with  his  disciples  in  quiet,  where  he  might 
teach  them  concerning  things  to  come.  As  the  disciples 
sat  there,  with  their  faces  turned  toward  Jerusalem,  their 
thoughts  reverted  to  the  words  of  doom  which  he  had  so 
recently  pronounced  upon  the  city.  They  could  not  un- 
derstand how  this  temple,  so  strong  and  magnificent, 
could  be  destroyed.  Josephus  declares  that  the  white 
stones  of  which  it  was  built  were  of  great  size,  from 
thirty-seven  to  forty  feet  long,  twelve  feet  thick,  and 
eighteen  feet  broad.  Who  could  destroy  this  massive 
structure  ?  Sitting  now  on  the  Mount  of  Olives,  at  the 
close  of  day,  the  disciples  came  privately,  saying,  "Tell 
us,  when  shall  these  things  be  ?  and  what  shall  be  the 
sign  of  thy  coming,  and  of  the  end  of  the  world  ? 
And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them.  Take  heed  that 
no  man  lead  you  astray.  For  many  shall  come  in  my 
name,  saying,  I  am  the  Christ;  and  shall  lead  many 
astray.  And  ye  shall  hear  of  wars  and  rumors  of  wars: 
see  that  ye  be  not  troubled,  for  these  things  must  needs 
come  to  pass;  but  the  end  is  not  yet.  For  nation  shall 
rise  against  nation,  and  kingdom  against  kingdom:  and 
there  shall  be  famines  and  earthquakes  in  divers  places. 
But  all  these  things  are  the  beginning  of  travail.  Then 
shall  they  deliver  you  up  unto  tribulation,  and  shall  kill 
you:  and  ye  shall  be  hated  of  all  the  nations  for  my 
name's  sake.     And  then  shall  many  stumble,  and  shall 

191 


turns  to 
Bethany. 


192        Studies  in  the   Life  of  Christ. 

deliver  up  one  another,  and  shall  hate  one  another.  And 
many  false  prophets  shall  arise,  and  shall  lead  many 
astray.  And  because  iniquity  shall  be  multiplied,  the 
love  of  many  shall  wax  cold.  But  he  that  endureth  to 
the  end,  the  same  shall  be  saved.  And  this  Gospel  of 
the  kingdom  shall  be  preached  in  the  whole  world  for  a 
testimony  unto  all  the  nations;  and  then  shall  the  end 
come." 
Jesus  Re-  Having  ended  his  public  teaching  in  Jerusalem,  and 
given  these  far-reaching  instructions  to  the  disciples  on 
the  Mount  of  Olives,  Jesus  retired  for  a  day  of  quiet  at 
Bethany.  There  is  no  record  given  of  what  happened. 
Were  its  hours  spent  in  the  house  of  Mary  and  Martha 
and  Lazarus,  or  were  they  passed  in  some  secluded  spot, 
alone  ?  Who  can  tell  ?  Doubtless  they  were  marked  by 
much  meditation  and  prayer.  His  day  of  conflict  with 
the  scribes  and  Pharisees  and  Sadducees  must  have  well- 
nigh  exhausted  him. 

The  outline  of  his  discourses  which  are  recorded  show 
their  vast  scope  and  many-sided  argument,  yet  doubtless 
only  small  portions  of  his  addresses  that  day  are  reported. 
During  every  hour  of  the  day  his  mental  acumen  must 
have  been  taxed  to  its  utmost.  He  stood  as  one  man 
against  the  world.  That  he  was  completely  victorious 
is  strongly  evident.  The  craft  of  his  enemies  had  al- 
together failed.  Instead  of  outwitting  him,  his  logic 
silenced  them,  and  "no  one  was  able  to  answer  him  a 
word."  Exhausted  by  these  stirring  scenes,  Jesus  now 
retired  for  a  season  of  quiet.  Then  there  was  before  him 
the  terrible  ordeal  of  Gethsemane,  and  his  trial  before 
the  Sanhedrin  and  before  the  Roman  authorities. 

"The  day  .  .  .  Avould  be  one  of  rest,  a  Sabbath  to 
his  soul  before  its  great  agony.  He  would  refresh  him- 
self, gather  himself  up  for  the  terrible  conflict  before 
him.  And  he  did  so  as  the  Lamb  of  God,  meekly  sub- 
mitting himself  to  the  will  and  hand  of  his  Father,  and 
so  fulfilling  all  types,  from  that  of  Isaac's  sacrifice  on 


The  Passion  Week. 


193 


Mount  Moriah  to  the  Paschal  Lamb  in  the  temple;  and 
bringing  the  reality  of  all  prophecy,  from  that  of  the 
woman's  seed  that  would  crush  the  serpent's  head  to  that 
of  the  kingdom  of  God  in  its  fullness,  when  its  golden 
gates  would  be  flung  open  to  all  men,  and  heaven's  own 
light  flow  out  to  them  as  they  sought  its  way  of  peace." 
(Edersheim.) 


In  connection  with  this  lesson  study  the  predic- 
tions of  Christ  concerning  the  end  of  the  world — 
not  so  much  as  a  series  of  detailed  prophecies 
whose  literal  fulfillment  is  to  be  looked  for,  but 
rather  as  pictures  which  are  to  be  looked  at  as  a 
whole,  and  w^hich  are  designed  to  have  a  certain 
effect  on  the  mind,  and  to  beget  in  us  a  certain 
moral  attitude.  What  this  attitude  is,  is  the  real, 
practical  subject  of  inquiry. 


STUDY  XXX.— Second  Day. 

Read  Mark  xiii,  1-4;  Matt,  xxiv,  1-3.  Jesus,  by  his 
triumphal  entry,  his  cleansing  of  the  temple,  miracles  of 
healing,  parables,  and  unanswerable  question  therein,  has 
for  the  third  time  borne  full  witness  before  the  leaders  of 
Israel  to  his  Messianic  character,  and  has  been  finally  re- 
jected. As  he  now  retires  from  the  temple,  predicting 
its  future  total  destruction,  it  is  with  the  consciousness 
that  his  public  ministry  has  closed.  What  a  change, 
then,  as  we  pass  to  the  scene  of  the  discourse  on  the 
Mount  of  Olives!  Delivered,  as  we  believe  it  was,  just 
after  sunset,*  it  was  in  the  new  day,  according  to  Jewish 
division  of  time.  For  these  reasons  we  treat  it  in  this 
week's  Study,  though  leaving  the  Gospel  accounts  of  it 
in  the  material  for  Tuesday. 


•Andrews,  p.  448. 
13 


194        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  XXX.— Third  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  xxiv,  4-31.  It  is  regarded  that  Jesus  con- 
siders the  question  respecting  the  end  of  the  world  first, 
in  vs.  4-14,  not  by  telling  when  the  end  will  be,  but  by 
declaring  that  six  antecedents  will  first  take  place: 
1.  Appearance  of  false  Christs.  3.  Wars,  rumors  of  wars, 
etc.  3.  Physical  commotions,  emblematic  of  the  fore- 
going. 4.  Persecutions.  5.  Sifting  of  the  Church.  6. 
Evangelization  of  the  world.  Next,  respecting  the  de- 
struction of  Jerusalem  (vs.  15-28)  he  discloses  a  picture 
of  unparalleled  distresses  (a  million  Jews  perished,  and 
ninety-seven  thousand  went  into  captivity).  Then  he 
brings  his  final  coming  into  perspective  with  this  picture 
in  vs.  29-31 ;  the  word  *'  immediately"  (v.  29)  seeming  to 
exclude  all  interval ;  but  his  words  in  Luke  xxi,  24,  allow 
for  this  long  period  in  the  expression,  "Jerusalem  shall 
be  trodden  down  of  the  Gentiles,  until  the  times  of  the 
Gentiles  be  fulfilled."  Bruce,  "The  Training  of  the 
Twelve,"  333-339. 

Suggestions   for    Map  "Work   and   References  for  the 
Harmony. 

Locate  on  your  map  the  position  of  Jesus  and  the  disciples 
during  this  discourse,  on  the  western  slope  of  the  Mount  of 
Olives,  and  then  mark  the  remaining  course  back  to  Bethany 
by  the  middle  path  over  the  crest. 

Harmony. — Study  XXX.  Wednesday — A  Day  of  Eetire- 
ment.  Matt,  xxvi,  1-5,  14-16;  Mark  xiv,  1,  2,  10,  11;  Luke 
xxii,  1-6. 

STUDY  XXX.— Fourth  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  xxiv,  32-51.  Jesus  now  shows,  perhaps 
by  the  tender  buds  of  a  fig-tree  under  which  they  sat, 
that  the  sure  signs  of  the  summer  and  the  distant  harvest 
of  fruit  were  at  hand.  So  that  generation  (v.  24)  would 
see  as  accomplished  facts  the  incipient  stages  of  all  those 
elements  whose  distant  consummation  would  form  the 
end.     "But  of  that  day  and  hour"  (v.  36)  not  even  he 


The  Passion  Week.  195 

had  knowledge,  "but  the  Father  only."  It  will  come 
suddenly  and  unexpectedly,  therefore,  watch  and  be 
ready. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  431^78 ;  Geikie  II,  413^30,  432-434 ;  Stalker, 
118-124;  Andrews,  445-450;  Fai-rar,  408-423;  Rhees,  sec.  188. 

STUDY  XXX. -Fifth  Day. 

Eead  Matt.  xxv.  Note  that  the  parable  of  the  Ten 
Virgins  (vs.  1-13)  still  further  enforces  the  great  practical 
lesson  of  a  personal  possession  of  grace  and  watchfulness. 
The  parable  of  the  Talents  (vs.  14-30),  as  distinguished 
from  that  of  the  Pounds  (see  Study  XXVI,  Fifth  Day), 
has  as  its  key-principle,  equal  diligence  in  the  use  of 
unequal  endowments  equally  rewarded.*  The  great  dis- 
course closes  (vs.  31-46),  with  a  sublime  sketch  of  Christ 
on  the  judgment-seat,  and  his  everlasting  awards  accord- 
ing as  men  have  ministered  to  or  neglected  him  in  the 
person  of  his  needy  brethren. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignunent 
in  Glass-work, 

1.  The  attitude  of  Jesus  toward  those  who  were  hostile  to 
him.  John  iii,  17-19;  Mark  iii,  5,  28-30;  Matt,  xvi,  1-4;  xxi, 
28-46;  xxii,  1-14;  xxiii ;  John  xiii,26,  27;  Matt,  xxvi,  50;  John 
xviii,  6 ;  Luke  xxii,  66-71 ;  Matt,  xxvii,  12-14 ;  Luke  xxiii,  34. 

2.  The  quiet  hours  in  Jesus'  life. 

3.  The  destruction  of  Jerusalem.  (Bib.  Diet.,  "Jerusalem.") 

STUDY  XXX.— Sixth  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  xxv,  1-5,  14-16;  Luke  xxii,  3-6.  Over 
against  the  brightness  of  Jesus'  revelations  to  his  friends 
and  communion  with  his  Father,  is  now  placed  the  black- 
ness of  the  plottings  of  his  foes,  and  the  commerce  with 
them  of  Judas,  the  betrayer. 


*  Bruce,  "The  Parabolic  Teaching  of  Christ,"  pp.  200-215. 


196        Studies  in  the  Life  ot   Christ. 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  What  constituted  the  dividing  point  between  Jewish 
days?    Oxford  Bible,  "  Time." 

2.  Can  the  date  of  the  end  of  the  world  or  the  final  coming 
of  Christ  be  calculated  from  Bible  predictions? 

3.  Make  as  complete  a  list  as  you  can,  in  the  Harmony,  of 
the  miracles  of  Christ,  seeking  to  arrange  them  in  chronological 
order. 

4.  Make  a  list  of  the  parables  of  Christ,  as  far  as  you  can 
under  the  heads:  1.  Theoretic  Parables;  2.  Parables  of  Grace; 
3.  Parables  of  Judgment.     (See  Study  XIII,  Seventh  Day.) 

STUDY  XXX.— Seventh  Day. 
Memorize  Matt,  xxv,  34-40. 

Personal  Thought. 

"And  Judas  Iscariot,  one  of  the  twelve,  went  unto  the 
chief  priests,  that  he  might  deliver  him  unto  them.  And 
they,  when  they  heard  it,  were  glad  and  promised  to  give 
him  money."  In  what  way  may  a  Christian  to-day  betray 
Christ  ? 

Would  anything  induce  me  to  betray  my  Lord  ? 

Eead  Heb.  vi,  3-6, 


PART  VII.— THIRTY-FIRST  •WEEK. 

THURSDAY— THE    LAST   DAY   WITH   THE  DIS- 
CIPLES. 


Supper. 


STUDY  XXXI.— First  Day. 

"  Now  on  the  first  day  of  unleavened  bread  the  disci-  The  Paschal 
pies  came  to  Jesus,  saying,  Where  wilt  thou  that  we  make 
ready  for  thee  to  eat  the  passover  ?  And  he  said.  Go  into 
the  city  to  such  a  man,  and  say  unto  him,  The  Master 
saith,  My  time  is  at  hand;  I  keep  the  passover  at  thy 
house  with  my  disciples.  And  the  disciples  did  as  Jesus 
appointed  them;  and  they  made  ready  the  passover." 
Peter  and  John  had  followed  the  directions  of  the  Master, 
and  by  evening  all  was  in  readiness  to  receive  him  and 
the  other  disciples.  It  is  not  known  at  whose  home  the 
supper  was  celebrated.  Some  have  thought  that  it  was 
at  the  home  of  John  Mark,  others  that  Joseph  of  Arima- 
thea  had  extended  the  courtesy.  Wherever  it  may  have 
been,  it  was  a  "large  upper  room,"  and  not  the  court  or 
"  hostlery  "  which  would  seem  to  be  indicated  by  the  term 
used  in  Jesus'  request.  It  was  also  ' '  furnished  and  ready" 
for  their  coming,  probably  the  work  of  some  generous 
friend. 

Resting  on  pillows  around  a  low  table,  each  leaned  on 
his  left  arm.  First  there  was  handed  to  Jesus  a  cup  of 
wine* — one-fourth  wine  and  three-fourths  water,  as  was 
the  custom — "and  when  he  had  given  thanks,  he  said^ 
Take  this,  and  divide  it  among  yourselves."  Just  here^ 
there  seems  to  have  arisen  a  contention  among  them  as  to 
which  of  them  should  be  greatest.  Jesus  said,  "  He  that 
is  the  greater  among  you,  let  him  become  as  the  younger ; 
and  he  that  is  chief,  as  he  that  doth  serve."  After  pass- 
ing the  wine,  the  next  point  of  the  ceremony  was  for  the 

•Andrews,  p.  482;  Hast.  Bib.  Diet.,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  691. 
197 


198        Studies  in  the   Life  of  Christ. 

head  of  the  company  to  arise  and  wash  hands.  In  this 
case  the  washing  of  the  disciples'  feet  was  undoubtedly 
coupled  with  this  act  to  teach  them  that  in  the  new  king- 
dom true  greatness  was  in  service.  Keturning  to  his  place 
at  the  table,  Jesus  said,  "  He  that  eateth  my  bread  lifted 
up  his  heel  against  me,"  referring  to  Judas  who  should 
betray  him.  A  little  later  Jesus  handed  around  "  a  sop  " 
which  consisted  of  the  flesh  of  the  paschal  lamb,  a  piece 
of  unleavened  bread,  and  bitter  herbs.  He  first  gave  it  to 
Judas,  who  asks,  "  Is  it  I  ?"  "  Jesus  therefore  saith  unto 
him,  That  thou  doest,  do  quickly."  Judas  arose  hastily 
and  left  the  room  that  he  might  complete  the  arrange- 
ments for  the  betrayal  of  his  Master. 
Farewell  When  therefore  he  was  gone  out,  Jesus  said,  "  Now  is 
'  the  Son  of  man  glorified,  and  God  is  glorified  in  him." 
With  these  words  by  way  of  introduction  he  began  to 
deliver  his  most  familiar  and  touching  discourses,  re- 
corded in  John  xiii,  31 — xvi,  33.  The  language  in  the 
Greek  is  especially  kind  and  affectionate.  Certain  words 
which  were  used  only  by  the  parent  in  the  home  are  here 
introduced.  "  Little  children,  yet  a  little  while  am  I 
with  you.  ...  As  I  said  unto  the  Jews,  Whither  I  go, 
ye  can  not  come ;  so  now  I  say  unto  you.  A  new  com- 
mandment I  give  unto  you,  that  ye  love  one  another, 
even  as  I  have  loved  you.  .  .  .  Simon  Peter  saith  unto 
him,  Lord,  whither  goest  thou  ?  Jesus  answered,  Whither 
I  go  thou  canst  not  follow  me  now ;  but  thou  shalt  follow 
afterwards.  Peter  saith,  ,  .  .  Lord,  ...  I  will  lay  down 
my  life  for  thee.  Jesus  answereth,  .  .  .  Verily,  verily, 
I  say  unto  thee,  the  cock  shall  not  crow,  till  thou  hast 
denied  me  thrice."  Soon  followed  those  wonderful  words 
recorded  in  the  fourteenth,  fifteenth,  and  sixteenth  chap- 
ters of  John.  Jesus  closed  with  that  remarkable  inter- 
cessory prayer,  John  xvii,  in  which  he  prays  first  for 
himself,  then  for  the  disciples,  then  for  all  who  shall  be- 
lieve on  him  in  future  years,  even  for  us. 

The  most  solemn  part  of  the  evening's  exercises  was 


The   Passion  Week.  199 

the  institution  of  the  new  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Sup-  The  Lord's 
per.  It  was  at  the  close  of  the  Paschal  supper  that  Jesus  instituted. 
introduced  this  new  institution  which  should  forever  sup- 
plant the  Passover  supper.  "And  as  they  were  eating, 
Jesus  took  bread,  and  blessed,  and  brake  it;  and  he  gave 
to  his  disciples,  and  said.  Take,  eat;  this  is  my  body. 
And  he  took  a  cup,  and  gave  thanks,  and  gave  to  them, 
saying,  Drink  ye  all  of  it ;  for  this  is  my  blood  of  the  cov- 
enant, which  is  shed  for  many  unto  remission  of  sins. 
But  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  not  drink  henceforth  of  this 
fruit  of  the  vine,  until  that  day  when  I  drink  it  new  with 
you  in  my  Father's  kingdom." 

"And  when  they  had  sung  a  hymn,  they  went  out  Oethseman*. 
unto  the  Mount  of  Olives.  And  they  come  unto  a  place 
which  was  named  Gethsemane."  Leaving  most  of  the 
disciples  in  the  open  part  of  the  garden,  he  takes  Peter, 
James,  and  John  and  goes  a  few  paces  ahead.  Here  the 
Son  of  man  pours  out  his  soul  to  God.  And  although 
well-nigh  overwhelmed,  he  gains  a  complete  victory  and 
prays,  *'  Oh  my  Father,  if  this  can  not  pass  away,  except 
I  drink  it,  thy  will  be  done."  Eeturning  to  his  disciples, 
he  went  forth  to  meet  those  who  came  to  arrest  him. 


^A/'ith  regard  to  all  eucharistic  controversy,  we 
may  \vish,  -with  Hooker,  "that  men  would  more 
give  themselves  to  meditate  w^ith  silence  what  w^e 
have  by  the  sacrament,  and  less  to  dispute  of  the 
manner  how^."  "There  have  been  those  w^ho,  be- 
cause they  enjoyed  not,  disputed,  and  others  w^ho 
disputed  not  because  they  enjoyed." 


STUDY  XXXI.— Second  Day. 

Read  Luke  xxii,  7-18,  24-30;  Matt,  xxvi,  21-39. 
Notice,  in  Mark  xiv,  14,  the  expression,  "My  guest 
chamber,"  which  indicates    that  Jesus  would  have  the 


200        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 


room  strictly  to  himself  and  his  disciples.  It  was  very 
probably  in  the  house  of  the  father  of  Mark,  where  also 
may  have  been  the  principal  meeting-place  after  Christ's 
resurrection.  See  Acts  xii,  12.  He  also  kept  the  place 
from  the  knowledge  of  Judas,  who,  it  is  supposed,  went 
to  Jerusalem  the  day  before  to  purchase  the  paschal  lamb, 
and  used  the  occasion  to  confer  with  Christ's  enemies. 
Edersheim  II,  481-486. 

STUDY  XXXI.— Third  Day. 

Bead  John  xiii.  Eecognize  the  steps  in  the  passages 
of  yesterday  and  to-day:  the  approach  to  the  Passover 
meal,  the  strife  for  precedence,  Jesus'  example  of  hum- 
ble service  in  the  feet-washing,  his  designation  of  the 
traitor,  Judas'  withdrawal,  the  institution  of  the  sacra- 
ment of  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  the  beginning  of  the 
Master's  farewell  words. 

Suggestions   for   Map    "Work   and    References    for   the 
Harmony. 

Mark  on  the  map  the  last  journey  of  Jesus  from  Bethany  to 
Jerusalem,  at  least  before  his  Passion,  by  the  southern  road, 
used  at  the  triumphal  entry,  but  turning  westward  at  the 
Kidron  valley,  perhaps  through  the  water-g^te,  and  toward 
Mt.  Zion,  to  the  "upper  room,"  and  thence  to  Gethsemane. 

Harmony. — Study  XXXI. — Thursday — The  Last  Day  with 
the  Disciples.  Matt,  xxvi,  17-46;  Mark  xiv,  12-42;  Luke  xxii, 
7-46;  John  xiii,  1 — xviii,  1. 

STUDY  XXXI.— Fourth  Day. 

Eead  John  xiv.  Note  that  in  the  earlier  part  of  this 
discourse  there  are  four  questions:  (1)  By  Peter,  xiii, 
36-38,  "Whither  goest  thou?"  (2)  by  Thomas,  vs.  5-7, 
"How  can  we  know  the  way?"  (3)  by  Philip,  vs.  8-14, 
"Show  us  the  Father;"  (4)  by  Judas,  not  Iscariot,  vs. 
22-24,  ' '  How  canst  thou  appear  to  us  and  not  to  the 
world?"  Jesus  also  presents  four  other  great  points  of 
strength  and  comfort:  (1)  His  new  commandment,  Love 
one  another  in  my  absence,  xiii,  34,  35 ;  (2)  Have  faith 
in  God  and  in  me;  though  away,  I  still  regard  you,  and 


The   Passion   Week.  201 

will  come  for  you,  vs.  1-4;  (3)  Even  while  away,  I  will  be 
with  you  through  the  Holy  Spirit,  vs.  19-21,  26;  (4)  I 
leave  with  you  and  give  unto  you  my  peace,  v.  27.  Bruce, 
"The  Training  of  the  Twelve,"  chap,  xxiv ;  Godet  on  John. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  479-541 ;  Geikie  II,  434-479 ;  Stalker,  124-128 ; 
Andrews,  450-503  ;  Far rar,  423-449 ;  Rhees,  sees.  189-195;  Sanday 
(Hast.  Bib.  Diet.)  II,  636-638. 

STUDY  XXXI.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  John  xv.  Deeply  consider  that  the  great  topic 
of  this  chapter  is  "Fruit."  Notice  how  Jesus  makes  it 
indispensable  in  his  disciples,  v.  2;  declares  its  condi- 
tions, vs.  3-7;  and  seeks  to  call  it  forth  by  a  sevenfold 
motive:  the  Father's  glory,  Christ's  honor,  v.  8;  their 
abiding  in  Christ's  love,  v.  10;  Christ's  joy  in  them, 
their  joy  fulfilled,  v.  11;  the  privilege  of  friendship  with 
Christ,  vs.  14,  15;  and  gratitude  for  his  choice  of  them, 
V.  16.  The  new  commandment  is  also  twice  repeated, 
vs.  12,  17;  their  tribulations  pointed  out,  but  also  the 
Comforter  to  sustain  them  in  being  his  witnesses,  vs.  18- 
25,  and  these  last  two  ideas  are  carried  into  the  next 
chapter.     "The  Training  of  the  Twelve,"  chap.  xxv. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-work. 

1.  The  perfect  character  of  Jesus.  Luke  ii,  40,  52 ;  Matt,  iii, 
15;  iv,  1-11 ;  John  iii,  13;  iv,  42;  Luke  v,  3-11 ;  Matt,  xii,  17-20; 
V,  17;  John  vi,  33;  Matt,  xvi,  15-23;  xvii,  1-8,  24-27;  John  viii, 
46;  Luke  xxii,  27;  John  xiii,  12-15;  xiv,  30;  xvii,  19;  Matt. 
xxvi,  42;  Luke  xxiii,  34;  John  xix,  26,  27,  30. 

2.  What  is  the  true  significance  of  the  Lord's  Supper? 
Sanday  (Hast.  Bib.  Diet.)  II,  636-638;  Plummer  (Hast.  Bib. 
Diet.),  art.  "Lord's  Supper;"  Edersheim  11,509-512;  Geikie 
II,  474, 475. 

3.  Why  was  the  coming  of  the  Holy  Spirit  dependent  on 
Jesus'  going  away?  American  Comm.  (Hovey)  on  John  xvi,  7; 
also  Wescott. 

4.  Do  you  conceive  that  the  feet  washing  was  a  mere  cere- 


202        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 


mony  enacted  to  teach  a  lesson,  or  a  needful  service  performed 
because  the  rest  were  none  of  them  willing  to  undertake  it? 
(Marcus  Dods — Expositor's  Bible  on  John  xiii.) 

5.  "A  new  commandment."  (John  xiii,  34.)  In  what  sense 
was  it  a  new  commandment  ? 

STUDY  XXXI —Sixth  Day. 

Eead  John  xvi.  These  most  intimate  farewell  dis- 
closures of  Jesus  to  his  disciples  are  brought  to  a  close 
in  this  chapter  by  utterances  the  central  thought  of 
which  may  be  regarded  as  power  to  come  from  the  Holy 
Spirit  (vs.  8-15)  and  from  prayer  to  the  Father  in  Christ's 
name  (vs.  23,  24). 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  When  did  the  Paschal  supper  originate  ? 

2.  What  was  its  meaning?  Edersheim,  see  index;  Bib. 
Diet.,  "  Passover." 

3.  Why  was  unleavened  bread  used? 

4.  Did  Judas  Iscariot  partake  of  the  Lord's  Supper?  An- 
drews, 491-493  ;  also  commentaries  and  Bib.  Diet. 

5.  In  what  sense  is  the  word  "sanctify"  used  in  John  xvii,  17? 

6.  In  John  xvii,  11,  22,  is  Jesus  praying  that  there  may  be  a 
single  Church  oi-ganization  ? 

STUDY  XXXI.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  John  xiv,  1-6,  12. 

Bead  thoughtfully,  reverently,  and  with  deep  medita- 
tion John  xvii;  Matt,  xxvi,  30,  36-46. 

Determine  your  chapter  names  for  John  xiii-xvii,  and 
write  them  in  the  Harmony. 

Personal  Thought. 

*'Ye  did  not  choose  me,  but  I  chose  you,  and  ap- 
pointed you,  that  ye  should  bear  fruit,  and  that  your 
fruit  should  abide." 

Is  it  the  normal  thing  for  the  Christian  life  to  bear 
fruit?  Of  what  sort  is  the  fruit?  Is  it  good  works 
merely?  What  is  the  condition  of  fruit  bearing?  Does 
my  life  bring  forth  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit  ? 

Gal.  V,  22-26. 


PART  Vn.— THIRTY-SECOND  WEEK. 
FRIDAY— THE  DAY  OF  SUFFERING. 


STUDY  XXXII.— First  Day. 

The  agony  in  the  garden  had  been  followed  by  the 
arrest  of  Jesus,  and  his  return  to  the  city  of  Jerusalem. 

The  trial  began  early  in  the  morning,  just  after  mid-  The  TiM 
night.  Jesus  was  first  taken  before  Annas,  who  was  the  **  *'**''•• 
real  Jewish  high  priest  for  that  year,  but  not  acting. 
"  So  the  band  and  the  chief  captain,  and  the  officers  of 
the  Jews,  seized  Jesus  and  bound  him,  and  led  him  to 
Annas  first;  for  he  was  father  in  law  to  Caiaphas,  which 
was  high  priest  that  year."  No  account  is  given  of  what 
happened  at  the  house  of  Annas.  The  disciples  seem  to 
have  been  so  overcome  by  fear  that  they  absented  them- 
selves, and  perhaps  none  of  them  ever  knew  what  sort  of 
a  trial  Jesus  was  subjected  to  before  this  ex-high  priest. 
From  Annas,  he  was  taken  before  Caiaphas,  who  was  the 
high  priest  set  up  by  the  Roman  government. 

The  trial  before  Caiaphas  was  a  sham  and  a  mockery. 
From  the  first  the  court  sought  to  condemn  the  prisoner. 
No  effort  was  made  to  ascertain  the  truth.  Untrust- 
worthy and  hostile  witnesses  were  set  up.  If  Jesus  was 
not  guilty  of  breaking  some  civil  law,  he  could  not  be 
held  for  breaking  any  moral  law.  If  they  could  prove 
him  to  be  a  Sabbath-breaker,  which  they  were  unable  to 
do,  this  offense  would  not  be  punishable  by  death.  They 
were  compelled  to  invent  a  pretext  before  arraigning  him, 
and  to  conduct  a  mock  trial  if  he  were  condemned.  The 
one  charge  on  which  chief  stress  was  placed  was  that  of 
blasphemy,  as  they  called  it.      They  believed  he  would 

203 


204        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

openly  claim  Messiahship,  and  this,  they  said,  is  blas- 
phemy. So  "  the  high  priest  stood  up  in  the  midst,  and 
asked  Jesus,  saying,  .  .  .  Art  thou  the  Christ,  the  Son 
of  the  Blessed?  And  Jesus  said,  I  am.  .  .  .  And  the  high 
priest  rent  his  clothes,  and  saith,  What  further  need  have 
we  of  witnesses?  Ye  have  heard  the  blasphemy:  what 
think  ye  ?  And  they  all  condemned  him  to  be  worthy  of 
death." 

From  Caiaphas,  Jesus  was  taken  before  the  Sanhe- 
drin,  which  was  the  ecclesiastical  court  of  the  Jewish 
Church.  "And  as  soon  as  it  was  day,  the  assembly  of  the 
elders  of  the  people  was  gathered  together,  both  chief 
priests  and  scribes;  and  they  led  him  away  into  their 
council."  The  Jewish  council  not  having  power  to  exe- 
cute the  death  penalty,  Jesus  was  now  taken  before 
Pilate,  the  Eoman  governor  of  Judea.  "And  the  whole 
company  of  them  rose  up,  and  brought  him  before  Pilate. 
And  they  began  to  accuse  him,  saying,  We  found  this 
man  perverting  our  nation,  and  saying  that  he  himself 
is  Christ  a  king."  Pilate,  finding  no  fault  in  him,  and 
learning  that  he  was  a  Galilean,  turned  him  over  to 
Herod,  governor  of  Galilee,  who  was  in  the  city  at  this 
time.  Herod  sent  him  back  to  Pilate,  who,  at  last, 
though  regarding  Jesus  as  innocent,  on  threat  of  accu- 
sation to  Csesar  by  the  Jewish  leaders,  delivered  him  to 
be  crucified. 
The  "They  took  Jesus,  therefore:  and  he  went  out,  bear- 
*  ing  the  cross  for  himself,  unto  the  place  called  The  place 
of  a  skull,  which  is  called  in  Hebrew  Golgotha:  where 
they  crucified  him,  and  with  him  two  others,  on  either 
side  one,  and  Jesus  in  the  midst.  .  .  .  The  soldiers  there- 
fore, when  they  had  crucified  Jesus,  took  his  garments, 
and  made  four  parts,  to  every  soldier  a  part;  and  also 
the  coat:  now  the  coat  was  without  seam,  woven  from 
the  top  throughout.  They  said  therefore,  one  to  another, 
Let  us  not  rend  it,  but  cast  lots  for  it,  whose  it  shall  be : 
that  the  scripture  might  be  fulfilled,  which  saith,  They 


The  Passion  Week.  205 


parted  my  garments  among  them,  and  upon  my  vesture 
did  they  cast  lots."  At  about  three  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon of  that  awful  day  the  end  was  at  hand.  The  long 
silence  was  broken  by  a  cry,  "  My  God,  my  God,  why  hast 
thou  forsaken  me?"  Presently  Christ  uttered  the  final 
words,  "Father,  into  thy  hands  I  commend  my  spirit." 

"And  after  these  things  Joseph  of  Arimathaea,  being  The 
a  disciple  of  Jesus,  but  secretly  for  fear  of  the  Jews,  ^*"*'^' 
asked  of  Pilate  that  he  might  take  away  the  body  of 
Jesus:  and  Pilate  gave  him  leave.  He  came  therefore, 
and  took  away  his  body.  And  there  came  also  Nicode- 
mus,  .  .  .  bringing  a  mixture  of  myrrh  and  aloes,  about 
a  hundred  pound  weight.  So  they  took  the  body  of 
Jesus,  and  bound  it  in  linen  cloths  with  the  spices,  as 
the  custom  of  the  Jews  is  to  bury.  Now  in  the  place 
where  he  was  crucified  there  was  a  garden;  and  in  the 
garden  a  new  tomb  wherein  was  never  man  yet  laid. 
There  then  because  of  the  Jews'  Preparation  .  .  .  they 
laid  Jesus." 


Those  in  whom  Christ  abides  will  hush  them- 
selves into  awe  in  the  presence  of  these  memories. 


STUDY  XXXII.— Second  Day. 

Read  John  xviii,  1-24.  It  is  thought  by  nearly  all 
scholars  that  the  preliminary  examination  of  Jesus  be- 
fore the  high  priest  (vs.  13-23)  was  before  Caiaphas,  and 
that  verse  24  means  that  Annas  had  previously  sent  Jesus 
bound  to  Caiaphas.*  Mark  the  manly  dignity  and  force 
with  which  Christ  states  the  consistent  principles  and 
method  of  his  ministry,  and  the  sound,  practical  equity 
of  his  demand  that  the  appeal  be  made  to  those  who  have 
heard  him  (vs.  20,  21). 

♦Andrews,  pp.  506-509. 


2o6        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  XXXn.— Third  Day. 

Read  Matt,  xxvi,  57-66 ;  Luke  xxii,  63-71.  It  should 
be  specially  noted  that  while  Jesus  throughout  his  trial 
maintained  silence,  in  the  face  of  illegal  and  futile  at- 
tempts to  incriminate  him  through  baseless  and  perverted 
charges  and  false  witnesses,  there  was  a  calm,  direct 
answer  from  himself,  given  with  absolute  disregard  of 
consequences,  when  a  question,  even  bearing  the  form  of 
constituted  authority,  was  put  to  him  respecting  his  char- 
acter and  nature.  So  here,  when  the  high  priest  puts 
him  under  oath,  and  asks  whether  he  is  the  Messiah, 
Jesus'  immediate  answer  is,  "I  am."  See  Matt,  xxvi,  63, 
64;  Mark  xiv,  61,  62;  Luke  xxii,  70 — all  pertaining  to 
the  same  event,  in  the  view  of  most  writers.  How  high 
and  clear  show  the  courage  and  splendor  of  soul  of 
Christ  in  this  point  ! 

Suggestions    for    Map    Work    and    References    for    the 
Harmony. 

Locate  aa  well  as  you  can,  and  mark  on  your  map  for  Pas- 
sion Week,  the  palaces  of  Annas,  Caiaphas,  Pilate,  and  Herod, 
Golgotha,  and  the  tomb,  and  indicate  the  course  of  Christ  from 
Gethsemane  to  the  cross  and  tomb. 

Harmony. — Study  XXXII.  Friday — The  Day  of  Suffering. 
Matt,  xxvi,  47 — xxvii,  61 ;  Mark  xiv,  43 — xv,  47  ;  Luke  xxii,  47 — 
xxiii,  56;  John  xviii,  2 — xix,  42. 

STUDY  XXXII.— FoTirth  Day. 

Read  John  xviii,  28-38;  Luke  xxiii,  4-16;  Matt,  xxvii, 
15-26;  John  xix,  1-16.  Notice  the  same  matchless  trait 
of  openness  and  outspokenness  we  saw  yesterday,  when 
the  conditions  permit  Christ  to  break  his  silence,  in  the 
question  of  Pilate  and  Christ's  answer  (John  xviii,  37). 
Observe  that  Pilate's  awful  failure  began  when  he  pro- 
posed (Luke  xxiii,  16)  to  "chastise"  a  man  whom  he 
counted  innocent,  ending  in  his  craven  hypocrisy  and 
shame,  seen  in  Matt,  xxvii,  24,  and  John  xix,  12-16. 


The  Passion  Week.  207 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  541-620 ;  Geikie  II,  479-545 ;  Stalker,  126-146  ; 
Andrews,  503-572,  575-588 ;  Fai-rar,  499-515 ;  Rhees,  sec.  196-206; 
Sanday  (Hast.  Bib.  Diet.)  II,  633f. 

STUDY  XXXII.— Fifth  Day. 

Eead  Luke  xxiii,  26-49.  As  we  have  been  impressed 
by  the  strength  of  Christ  during  his  trial,  let  us  bow 
before  the  exhibition  of  his  infinite  tenderness  and  love 
in  his  crucifixion.     Ponder  vs.  28,  34,  43,  46,  47. 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Olass-^work. 

1.  Christ  in  suffering  and  sacrifice.  Luke  ii,  51;  iv,  2; 
John  i,  29;  ii,  19-22;  vi,  51 ;  Matt,  xvi,  21 ;  John  viii,  27  ;  Matt, 
xviii,  20 ;  John  x,  11-18  ;  Luke  xii,  49  ;  John  xi,  49-52 ;  Mark  xiv, 
8;  John  xii,  23-33;  Matt,  xxvi,  26-31;  John  xv,  13;  Matt,  xxvi, 
36-46;  John  xviii,  11 ;  Markxiv,  65;  Lukexxii,63;  Matt,  xxvii, 
26-50;  Luke  xxiv,  26;  the  passages  in  John  xviii  and  xix. 

2.  The  high  priestly  office  and  its  incumbents  at  this  period 
as  related  to  religious  and  civil  affairs.  Edersheim  I,  263 ;  Bib. 
Diet,  on  Annas  and  Caiaphas. 

3.  The  career  and  character  of  Pontius  Pilate.  Geikie  II, 
531-541,  553,  554  ;  Farrar,  474-493. 

4.  Let  some  member  of  the  class  note  those  incidents  of 
the  passion  which  are  peculiar  to  Matthew,  another  member 
those  which  are  peculiar  to  Luke,  etc. 

STUDY  XXXII.— Sixth  Day. 

Eead  John  xix,  31-42.  Some  have  seen  in  the  blood 
and  water  (v.  34)  evidences  that  the  heart  of  Jesus  was 
broken  under  his  sufferings.  In  a  spiritual  sense  may 
our  hearts  break  with  penitence  for  sin ! 

Questions  for  Written  Answers. 

1.  Record  in  order  the  persons  and  tribunals  concerned  in 
trying  Jesus. 

2.  What  is  blasphemy? 

3.  Why  was  Christ  guiltless  of  this  charge  ? 

4.  Can  you  name  some  particulars  in  which  the  trial  of 
Jesus  was  unjust  and  illegal,  (a)  before  the  Jewish  authorities, 


2o8        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

(b)  before  Pilate  ?    Edersheim  II,  553,  554  ;  Andrews,  512 ;  and 
Commentaries. 

5.  Arrange  a  list  of  the  utterances  of  Christ  on  the  cross  as 
nearly  as  you  can  in  the  order  of  their  occurrence. 

STUDY  XXXII.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Mark  xv,  31, 

See  if  in  your  thought  you  can  follow  the  several 
steps  in  the  apprehension,  trial,  crucifixion,  and  burial 
of  Christ. 

Personal  Thought. 

"To  this  end  have  I  been  born,  and  to  this  end  am  I 
come  into  the  world,  that  I  should  bear  witness  unto  the 
truth.    Every  one  that  is  of  the  truth  heareth  my  voice." 

Am  I  "of  the  truth  ?"  Do  I  clearly  hear  the  voice  of 
Christ  ?  Has  the  truth  made  me  free  ?  How  far  have  I 
also  made  it  the  end  for  which  I  was  born  to  be  a  witness 
unto  the  truth  ?     In  what  way  do  I  bear  witness  ? 

Read  1  Cor.  xiii,  6;  Eph.  vi,  14;  1  John  i,  6,  9. 


PART  VII.— THIRTY-THIRD  -WEEK. 
SATURDAY— THE  DAY  IN  THE  TOMB. 


STUDY  XXXIII.— First  Day. 

"Although  Christ  was  dead   and  buried,  the  rulers  The  Rest- 
less Jewish 
were  not  at  ease,  and  the  chief  priests  and  Pharisees  came  Rulers. 

to  Pilate  desiring  that  the  door  of  the  sepulcher  might  be 
sealed,  and  a  watch  set,  to  prevent  the  disciples  from 
stealing  the  body;  alleging,  as  the  ground  of  their  fear, 
his  words,  'After  three  days  I  will  rise  again.'  At  what 
time  this  request  was  made  is  in  question.  It  is  said  by 
some  that  they  went  to  Pilate  on  the  evening  following 
the  burial,  perhaps  two  or  three  hours  later,  the  object 
being  to  secure  the  body  before  the  darkness  made  its 
theft  possible.  .  .  .  But  the  language  of  Matthew,  '  Now 
on  the  morrow,'  leads  us  rather  to  think  of  the  morning 
after,  but  at  how  early  an  hour  we  can  not  tell ;  nor  do 
we  know  where  they  met  Pilate,  whether  at  his  palace  or 
not.  The  whole  proceeding  was  a  violation  of  the  sanc- 
tity of  the  Sabbath.  ...  To  the  Pharisees  he  had  spoken 
of  the  sign  of  the  prophet  Jonah  as  to  be  fulfilled  in  him- 
self (Matt,  xii,  40,)  and  now  that  he  was  dead,  they  must 
have  thought  of  its  actual  fulfillment.  Besides,  it  is 
scarce  possible  that  they  should  not,  through  some  of 
the  disciples,  have  heard  of  his  words  respecting  his  res- 
urrection spoken  to  them.  Judas  must  have  known  what 
14  209 


210        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

his  Lord  said,  and  may  have  told  the  priests.  They  were 
far  too  sagacious  not  to  take  precautions  against  all  pos- 
sible contingencies.  Even  if  they  did  not  believe  his  res- 
urrection possible,  and  had  no  faith  in  the  words,  still  it 
was  wise  to  guard  against  the  stealing  of  the  body.  But 
it  is  not  certain  that  they  did  not  fear  that  he  would  rise. 
Did  they  not  know  of  the  resurrection  of  Lazarus?  and 
might  not  he  who  then  bade  the  dead  arise,  himself  come 
forth  ?  In  their  state  of  mind,  to  seal  the  stone  and  set 
the  watch  was  a  very  natural  precaution." 
Surprised  by        "But  why  was  not  the  body,  when  taken  from  the  cross, 

the  Boldness 

of  Joseph  and  at  oucc  taken  charge  of  by  the  Pharisees,  and  not  deliv- 
'  ered  into  the  hands  of  his  disciples  ?  Very  likely  this 
may  have  been  their  purpose,  and  the  request  of  Joseph 
for  the  body  may  have  been  something  unknown  and  un- 
expected to  them ;  but  as  it  was  given  to  him  by  permis- 
sion of  Pilate  they  could  not  interfere.  It  was  of  no 
importance  in  what  sepulcher  it  was  placed,  provided  it 
was  secure;  and  doubtless  they  knew  it  was  in  the  sep- 
ulcher ere  they  sealed  the  stone.  When  the  stone  was 
sealed  is  not  said,  but  probably  some  time  during  the 
Sabbath.  (Matt,  xxvii,  62.)  Perhaps  they  relied  on  the 
sanctity  of  the  Sabbath  as  a  sufficient  preventive  against 
his  disciples,  and  thought  no  guard  necessary  till  the  day 
was  past.  Perhaps  they  supposed  at  first  that  with  his 
death  all  cause  of  apprehension  from  his  disciples  had 
vanished,  and  that  afterward,  seeing  the  boldness  of  Jo- 
seph and  Nicodemus  in  the  matter  of  his  burial,  they  be- 
gan to  reflect,  and  this  step  occurred  to  them." 
Why  Mat-        "  That  the  account  is  given  by  Matthew  only,  is  read- 

thew's  Is  the  ,  i       ■.  i        i  .   i       j.         i 

only  account,  ily  explained  from  the  fact  that  he  wrote  specially  for  the 
Jews,  among  whom  the  report  of  stealing  the  body  had 


The   Passion  Week.  211 

been  put  in  circulation.  It  is  omitted  by  Mark  and  Luke, 
who  wrote  for  another  class  of  readers."     (Andrews.) 

While  the  sacred  body  of  Jesus  thus  reposed  in  the  ^**^  ^"<* 

•'  ^  of  Letter 

sealed  and  guarded  tomb  during  the  Jewish  Sabbath,  the  and  Type. 

stately  service  of  the  temple,  conducted  by  the  priesthood 
that  had  been  most  active  in  putting  him  to  death,  went 
on  with  its  wonted  splendor.  Yet  there  was  one  startling 
sign,  visible  to  every  worshiper,  declaring,  did  one  but 
grasp  its  import,  that  the  religion  of  letter  and  type  had 
come  to  an  end,  and  that  the  religion  of  spirit  and  life 
Avas  henceforth  to  unfold  and  possess  the  future.  The 
heavy  veil  of  the  temple  hung  rent  from  top  to  bottom. 
True  faith  was  forever  emancipated  from  dead  forms: 
Christ  had  opened  "the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  all  be- 
lievers." 

Let  the  student  who  is  tempted  to  spare  the  toil 
in  reviewing  and  repetition  necessary  to  master  the 
accounts  of  the  closing  w^eek  of  Christ's  life  medi- 
tate on  the  incongruity  of  a  careless  and  indifferent 
study  of  the  Savior's  sacrifice  for  our  sins. 


STUDY  XXXTTI.— Second.  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  xxvii,  62-66.  "Preparation,"  v.  62,  des- 
ignates the  day  that  immediately  precedes  the  Sabbath  or 
any  of  the  feast  days.*  Notice,  v.  63,  how  intense  hatred 
and  prejudice  would  still  pursue  Christ  even  past  the 
portals  of  death. 

STUDY  XXXIII.— Third  Day. 

Read  Mark  xi.  With  this  chapter  we  begin  a  rapi(f 
review  in  Mark  of  Part  VII,  the  Passion  Week,  which 


*  Meyer  on  Matthew  xxvU,  ( 


2 1 2        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

part  and  title  place  in  your  New  Testament  in  the  margin 
of  xi,  1.  Then,  immediately  underneath  the  same,  write 
Sunday,  the  Day  of  Triumph,  also  in  the  margin  of  v.  12, 
Monday,  the  Day  of  Authority,  and  in  the  margin  of  v. 
20,  Tuesday,  the  Day  of  Conflict.  (See  Studies  XXVII, 
XXVIII,  XXIX.) 

Suggestions   for   Map   "Work    and    References    for   the 
Harmony. 

Review  carefully  on  your  map  and  in  mind  the  course  of 
Christ  during  the  Passion  Week. 

Harmony. — Study  XXXIII. — Saturday  —  The  Day  in  the 
Tomb.    Matt,  xxvii,  62-66. 

STUDY  XXXIII.— Fourth  Day. 

Kead  Mark  xii.  It  will  be  seen  that  this  chapter 
carries  us  through  some  of  the  most  exciting  phases  of 
Tuesday,  the  Day  of  Conflict.     (See  Study  XXIX.) 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  619,  620;  Geikie  II,  545,  546;  Stalker,  146; 
Andrews,  572-574;  Farrar,  515,  516;  Rhees,  sec.  208. 

STUDY  XXXIII.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  Mark  xiii.  In  this  chapter  we  draw  near  the 
close  of  the  Day  of  Conflict,  and  have  Mark's  report  of  the 
discourse  on  the  Mount  of  Olives.     (See  Study  XXIX.) 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class-"work. 

1.  Christ's  union  with  the  Father  through  the  Spirit  in 
prayer,  obedience,  and  work.  Luke  ii,  49;  iii,  21;  iv,  1;  Mark 
i,  35 ;  John  v,  17  ;  vi,  45 ;  Luke  ix,  29,  35 ;  Mark  ix,  29 ;  John  viii, 


The   Passion  Week.  213 

29;  xiv,  10,  16;  xv,  10;   xvii,  4,  14,  20,  21;   Matt,  xxvi,  53,  54; 
Luke  xxiii,  46. 

2  What  has  been  and  is  the  prevailing  Jewish  view  of 
Christ? 

3.  The  causes  of  the  continued  attitude  of  the  Jews  toward 
the  Christian  faith.     (See  article  "Jews"  in  Encyclopedias.) 

4.  The  general  characteristics  of  the  Gospel  of  Matthew. 
(See  Introduction  to  any  good  commentary  or  article  in  Bib. 
Diet,  for  this  and  the  following  topics. ) 

5.  The  general  characteristics  of  the  Gospel  of  Mark. 

6.  The  Gospel  of  Luke. 

7.  The  Gospel  of  John.  (See  especially  "Wescott  and  Go- 
dot's commentaries  on  John,  and  Reynolds  in  Hast.  Bib.  Diet.) 

STUDY  XXXni.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Mark  xiv,  1,  2,  10-73.  In  the  margin  of  v.  1 
place  Wednesday,  a  Day  of  Eetirement,  connecting  with 
it  vs.  2,  10,  11;  in  the  margin  of  v.  12,  Thursday,  the 
Last  Day  with  the  Disciples;  and  in  the  margin  of  v.  43, 
Friday,  the  Day  of  Suffering.  (See  Studies  XXX, 
XXXI,  XXXII.) 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  During  what  whole  day  was  Christ's  body  in  the  tomb? 
During  parts  of  what  other  days  ? 

2.  In  John's  account  of  the  trial  and  crucifixion,  make  a  list 
of  the  passages  that  bring  out  in  strong  light  the  personal  maj- 
esty of  Jesus. 

3.  Make  a  list  of  the  passages  in  the  same  Gospel  that  bring 
out  the  voluntariness  of  his  death. 

4.  Designate  three  of  Christ's  greatest  discourses  during 
this  week. 

5.  What  inscription  did  Pilate  have  placed  on  the  cross  ? 

6.  Whom  did  the  Jews  finally  say  was  their  king  ? 

7.  Is  there  any  Scripture  to  show  that  the  Jews  will  yet 
accept  Christ?    If  so,  give  reference  or  references. 


214        Studies  in  the   Life  of  Christ. 

STUDY  XXXIII.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  John  xix,  41,  42. 

Bead  Mark  xv.  Note  that  the  first  verse  of  the  chap- 
ter opens  the  record  of  Christ's  trial  before  Pilate,  as 
given  by  Mark,  and  that  the  close  of  the  chapter  con- 
cludes his  account  of  Friday,  the  Day  of  Suffering. 
(See  Study  XXXII.) 

Add  to  your  previous  list  of  persons  whom  Jesus  met, 
the  names  of  those  with  whom  he  came  in  contact  during 
Passion  Week,  as  given  by  Mark. 

Personal  Thought. 

*'And  the  women  which  had  come  out  of  Galilee,  fol- 
lowed after,  and  beheld  the  tomb,  and  how  his  body  was 
laid.  And  they  returned  and  prepared  spices  and  oint- 
ments." 

"  Now  on  the  morrow  .  .  .  the  chief  priests  and 
Pharisees  .  .  .  went  and  made  the  sepulcher  sure, 
sealing  the  stone,  the  guard  being  with  them." 

Does  my  heart  offer  to  Christ  crucified,  sweet  spices, 
or  a  sealed  stone  and  a  guard  ? 

Read  1  Cor.  i,  21-24. 


PAET  YIII. 
THE  FOETY  DAYS. 


THIRTY-FOURTH   'WEEK. 
SUNDAY  MORNING— THE  RESURRECTION. 


STUDY  XXXIV.— First  Day. 

As  the  resurrection  of  Lazarus  was  the  supreme  mir-  Crowning 
acle  in  the  ministry  of  Jesus,  so  Christ's  own  resurrection  Christ's  Res- 
was  the  crowning  fact  in  his  redemptive  work,  and  in  the  urrection. 
establishment  of  the  Christian  religion.     It  put  the  divine 
seal  on  all  that  he  had  done,  and  was  the  certain  proof 
that  his  sacrifice  for  the  sins  of  the  human  race  was  ac- 
ceptable to  the  Father.      It  is  in  this  sense  that   "He 
was  delivered  up  for  our  trespasses,  and  was  raised  for 
our  justification."    (Rom.  iv,  25.)    And  thus  it  is  that  in 
the  preaching  of  the  apostles  the  resurrection  of  Christ 
is  always  presented  as  that  which  makes  his  saving  work 
complete. 

Says  Edersheim:  "The  history  of  the  life  of  Christ  Sheds  Light 
upon  earth  closes  with  a  miracle  as  great  as  that  of  its  uioui^BiJthr 
inception.  It  may  be  said  that  the  one  casts  light  upon 
the  other.  If  he  was  what  the  Gospels  represent  him, 
he  must  have  been  born  of  a  pure  virgin,  and  he  must 
have  risen  from  the  dead.  If  the  story  of  his  birth  be 
true,  we  can  believe  that  of  his  resurrection;  if  that  of 
his  resurrection  be  true,  we  can  believe  that  of  his  birth. 
In  the  nature  of  things  the  latter  was  incapable  of  strict 

215 


21 6        Studies  in  the   Life  of  Christ. 


historical  proof;  and,  in  the  nature  of  things,  his  resur- 
rection demanded  and  was  capable  of  the  fullest  histor- 
ical evidence.  If  such  exists,  the  keystone  is  given  to  the 
arch,  .  .  .  and  Jesus  is  the  Christ  in  the  full  sense  of 
the  Gospels.  And  yet  we  mark,  as  another  parallel  point 
between  the  account  of  the  miraculous  birth  and  that  of 
the  resurrection,  the  utter  absence  of  details  as  regards 
these  events  themselves.  It  imposes  on  us  the  duty  of 
observing  the  reverent  silence  so  well-befitting  the  case, 
and  not  intruding  beyond  the  path  which  the  evangelic 
narrative  has  opened  to  us." 
Order  of        The  present  Study  includes  only  the  event  of  the 

Events  Be-  , .  t     ,  i  »    .  ^ 

fore  His  First  resurrection  and  the  reports  of  it  on  Sunday  morning, 
Appearance,  leaving  the  Several  appearances  to  the  opening  of  the 
next  Study.  This,  then,  seems  to  be  the  order  of  the 
occurrences:  "When  the  sabbath  was  past,  Mary  Mag- 
dalene, and  Mary  the  mother  of  James,  and  Salome, 
bought  spices,  that  they  might  come  and  anoint  him. 
And  very  early  on  the  first  day  of  the  week,  they  come 
to  the  tomb."  Their  arrival  was  probably  "at  early 
dawn."  (Luke  xxiv,  1.)  "And  they  were  saying  among 
themselves,  Who  shall  roll  us  away  the  stone  from  the 
door  of  the  tomb  ?  and  looking  up,  they  see  that  the 
stone  is  rolled  back:  for  it  was  exceeding  great."  How 
long  before  their  coming  the  Lord  had  risen  we  do  not 
know,  but  Matthew  states  that  "  there  was  a  great  earth- 
quake ;  for  an  angel  of  the  Lord  descended  from  heaven, 
and  came  and  rolled  away  the  stone,  and  sat  upon  it. 
His  appearance  was  as  lightning,  and  his  raiment  white 
as  snow:  and  for  fear  of  him  the  watchers  did  quake, 
and  became  as  dead  men."  The  first  to  give  tidings  of 
the  situation  at  the  tomb  was  Mary  Magdalene.  "She 
runneth  therefore,  and  cometh  to  Simon  Peter,  and  to 
the  other  disciple,  whom  Jesus  loved,  and  saith  unto 
them.  They  have  taken  away  the  Lord  out  of  the  tomb, 
and  we  know  not  where  they  have  laid  him."  While 
she  was  gone,  the  other  women  entered  into  the  tomb, 


The  Forty   Days.  217 

but  did  not  find  the  body  of  Christ.  "And  it  came  to 
pass,  while  they  were  perplexed  thereabout,  behold, 
two  men  stood  by  them  in  dazzling  apparel:  and  as 
they  were  affrighted,  and  bowed  down  their  faces  to  the 
earth,  they  said  unto  them.  Why  seek  ye  the  living 
among  the  dead  ?  He  is  not  here,  but  is  risen :  remem- 
ber how  he  spake  unto  you  when  he  was  yet  in  Galilee. 
.  .  .  And  they  remembered  his  words,  and  returned 
from  the  tomb,  and  told  all  these  things  to  the  eleven, 
and  to  all  the  rest.  .  .  .  And  these  words  appeared  in 
their  sight  as  idle  talk;  and  they  disbelieved  them." 
Though  unconvinced,  Peter  and  John  now  ran  to  the 
tomb,  and  when  they  had  entered  it,  and  saw  the 
striking  arrangement  of  the  cloths,  perhaps  retaining 
the  shape  and  position  as  they  were  when  wound  about 
the  body,  "and  the  napkin,  that  was  upon  his  head, 
not  lying  with  the  linen  cloths,  but  rolled  up  in  a  place 
by  itself" — that  is,  in  the  same  form  and  place  as 
when  about  his  head — their  doubts  vanished,  and  they 
"believed." 


Let  it  be  remembered  that  the  fact  of  the  resur- 
rection in  no  sense  depends  for  its  proof  on  any  one 
argument  or  any  one  set  of  facts.  A  combination  of 
facts  relating  to  prophecy,  to  the  unique  character  of 
Jesus,  to  the  general  credibility  of  the  Gospels  as  a 
whole,  to  the  credibility  of  the  parts  of  the  Gospels 
immediately  concerned,  to  the  witness  of  the  Paul- 
ine Epistles,  to  the  effects  attending  the  preaching 
of  a  risen  Christ,  and  to  the  experimental  tests  of 
believing  Christians, — all  these  bear  upon  the 
subject. 

STUDY  XXXIV.— Second  Day. 

Eead  Matt,  xxviii,  1-8.  For  this  and  the  three  fol- 
lowing days  we  give  Edersheim's  fine  characterization  of 
the  four  Gospels  in  their  treatment  of  the  resurrection. 


21 8        Studies  in   the   Life  of  Christ. 


'*  Matthew  describes  the  impression  of  the  full  evi- 
dence of  that  Easter  morning  on  friend  and  foe,  and  then 
hurries  us  from  the  Jerusalem  stained  with  Christ's  blood 
back  to  the  sweet  lake  and  the  blessed  mount  where  first 
he  spake." 

STUDY  XXXIV.— Third  Day. 

Read  Mark  xvi,  1-8.  "  Mark  .  .  .  gives  not  only  a 
mere  summary,  but,  if  one  might  use  the  expression,  tells 
it  as  from  the  bosom  of  the  Jerusalem  family,  from  the 
house  of  his  mother  Mary." 

Suggestions   for    Map   "Work    and    References    for   the 
Harmony. 

Let  your  eye  run  rapidly  over  the  course  of  Christ  on  your 
maps  from  the  beginning,  and  see  how  nearly  in  thought  you 
can  trace  his  journeyings  from  the  manger  cradle  to  the  cross. 

Harmony. — Part  VIII.  The  Forty  Days.  From  the  Res- 
urrection until  the  Ascension.— Study  XXXIV.  Sunday  Moi'n- 
ing — The  Resurrection.  Matt,  xxviii,  1-8;  Mark  xvi,  1-8  ;  Luke 
xxiv,  1-12;  John  xx,  1-10. 

STUDY  XXXIV.— Fourth  Day. 

Read  Luke  xxiv,  8-11.  "Luke  seems  to  have  made 
most  full  inquiry  as  to  all  the  facts  of  the  resurrection, 
and  his  narrative  might  almost  be  inscribed,  Easter- 
Day  in  Jerusalem." 

General  References. 

Edersheim,  II,  621-635;  Geikie  II,  547-552;  Stalker,  147; 
Andrews,  589,  590;  Farrar,  516,  517;  Rhees,  sees.  209-222; 
Sanday  (Hast.  Bib.  Diet.)  II,  638-642. 

STUDY  XXXIV.— Fifth  Day. 

Read  John  xx,  3-10.  "John  paints  such  scenes  as 
are  most  significant  and  teachful  of  this  threefold  lesson 
of  his  Gospel :  that  Jesus  was  the  Christ ;  that  he  was  the 
Son  of  God;  and  that,  believing,  we  have  life  in  his  name." 


The  Forty   Days.  219 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Class- work. 

1.  The  enduring  power  and  glory  of  Christ.  John  i,  1-3; 
Luke  ii,  30-32;  John  ii,  11;  v,  21-23,  26,  27;  Matt,  v,  22-25; 
X,  37-39;  xvi,  27;  Luke  ix,  28-35;  John  viii,  58;  Matt,  xxiv,  30, 
35 ;  XXV,  31-34, 46 ;  Luke  xxii,  28-30 ;  John  xvii,  1,  5 ;  Matt,  xxvi, 
53;  Luke  xxiv,  5-8,  26;  Matt,  xxviii,  18-20. 

2.  The  full  meaning  and  effect  of  Christ's  resurrection. 
See,  especially,  Sanday  (Hast.  Bib.  Diet.)  II,  642;  Wescott, 
"The  Revelation  of  the  Risen  Lord  ;"  also  Andrews,  590. 

3.  The  reason  for  Christ's  injunction  to  Mary:  "Touch  me 
not,  for  I  have  not  yet  ascended  to  my  Father."  (Wescott, 
Godet,  and  Dods'  commentaries  on  John  xx,  17,  18.) 

4.  The  spiritual  lessons 'to  be  derived  from  the  appearance 
by  the  Sea  of  Galilee.  (Marcus  Dods'  Expositor's  Bible  on 
John  XX i.) 

STUDY  XXXIV.— Sixth  Day. 

Eead  rapidly  Mark  xvi,  1-8;  Matt,  xxviii,  1-8;  Luke 
xxiv,  1-12;  John  xx,  1-10,  and  with  the  continued  ac- 
counts in  the  next  Study  seek  to  feel  the  force  of  what  has 
been  written  above. 

Review  the  key-points  and  qualities  of  Mark's  Gospel. 
(See  especially  Studies  III,  VII,  VIII,  XI,  XIV,  XXXIV.) 

Questions  for  "Written  Answers. 

1.  On  what  day  of  the  week  did  Jesus  rise? 

2.  By  what  special  name  is  the  day  known  because  of  his 
resurrection  ? 

3.  Why  does  the  Gospel  of  Mark,  xvi,  7,  have  the  words, 
"and  Peter?" 

4.  What  was  the  name  of  the  disciple  wlio  outran  Peter? 
John  XX,  4. 

5.  What  action  was  characteristic  of  Peter?    John  xx,  6. 

6.  Why  did  not  the  disciples  more  readily  believe  that 
Christ  had  risen  from  the  dead? 

STUDY  XXXIV.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Matt,  xxviii,  5-7. 

The  Gospel  of  Matthew  presents  Christ  as  a  King, 
reigning   in   righteousness.     It  connects  him  with  the 


220        Studies  in  the   Life  of  Christ. 

past,  tracing  the  genealogy  from  Abraham  through  the 
royal  line  of  David,  and  places  him  in  the  focus  of  the 
full  prophetic  ideal  of  Israel's  Messiah.  Mark,  in  con- 
trast, pictures  Christ  as  the  Servant  of  Jehovah,  not  re- 
garding his  descent  nor  looking  beyond  the  living,  active 
present.  Luke  records  Christ  as  the  perfect  Man,  in  the 
racial  line  from  Adam,  but  moving  outward  and  forward 
to  touch  and  transform  all  mankind.  John  declares 
Christ  as  the  Divine  Son  of  God,  manifested  in  the  flesh, 
that  he  may  draw  all  men  upward  toward  spiritual  and 
eternal  life.  Matthew  and  Mark  yield  official  aspects  of 
kingship  and  service,  Luke  and  John  personal  aspects  of 
humanity  and  divinity.  Four  words  sum  up  the  four 
Gospels,  King,  Servant,  Man,  God. 

Personal  Thought. 

"And  these  words  appeared  in  their  sight  as  idle  talk; 
and  they  disbelieved  them." 

Does  any  great  truth  respecting  Christ  still  appear  to 
me  as  "idle  talk?" 

Eead  Acts  viii,  37 — xvi,  31;  Rom.  x,  9;  1  John  v, 
14,  15;  3  Cor.  xiii,  5. 


PART  VIII.— THIRTY-FIFTH  "WEEK. 

APPEARANCES— FINAL  COMMISSION— ASCEN- 
SION. 


STUDY  XXXV.— First  Day. 

The  fact  of  the  resurrection  of  Christ  being  of  such  ^J^'^/j^'^^^. 
exceptional  value  to  Christian  faith,  it  is  important  that  urrection. 
the  proof  of  it  should  be  of  impregnable  strength.  Yet 
this  should  in  no  wise  depend  on  the  experience  or  testi- 
mony of  the  unbelieving.  Therefore,  in  each  of  the  ten 
resurrection  appearances  of  Jesus,  disciples  only  were  the 
chosen  witnesses. 

The  record  of  the  arrangement  of  the  Jewish  rulers  J**^^'** 
with  the  watch  (Matt,  xxviii,  11-15),  so  that  the  soldiers 
should  make  a  false  report  that  the  disciples  came  by 
night  and  stole  the  body  of  Jesus  away  while  the  guard 
slept,  breaks  into  the  account  of  Christ's  appearances, 
and  we  prefer  to  dispose  of  it  here  by  this  passing  ref- 
erence. 

The  first  appearance  of  Jesus  was  to  Mary  Magdalene,  p{^^j™**'jg|!|]* 
and  the  account  of  it  in  John  xx,  11-18,  forms  one  of  the  ance. 
most  beautiful  passages  of  the  Gospels. 

The  second  appearance  was  to  the  other  women  as  they  At  Jerusalem. 

„  ,  ,      ,,  Second  Ap- 

were  returnmg  from  the  sepulcher.     Jesus  greets  them  pearance. 
with  the  words,  "All  hail."     (Matt,  xxviii,  8-10.) 

The  third  appearance  took  place  at  Emmaus,  about  ^5,,^^'^'^"^^^. 
eight  miles  north  west  of  Jerusalem,  whither  two  disci-  ance. 
pies,  Cleopas  and  his  companion,  Avent  on  this  first  Sun- 

221 


222        Studies  in   the  Life  of  Christ. 

day.     Jesus  joined  them,  and  disclosed  himself  in  the 
breaking  of  bread.     (Luke  xxiv,  13-35.) 
At  Jerusalem,        Concerning    the   fourth  appearance,  which  probably 
pearance.  occurred  in  the  afternoon  of  this  first  day,  we  have  sim- 
ply the  report  of  these  two  men  on  their  return  to  Jeru- 
salem, "  The  Lord  is  risen  indeed,  and  hath  appeared  to 
Simon"  (Luke  xxiv,  34),  confirmed  by  the  statement  of 
Paul  (1  Cor.  XV,  5),  that  "he  appeared  to  Cephas." 
At  Jerusalem,        The  fifth  and  last  appearance  for  the  day  was  at  Jeru- 
ance.  salem  that  evening  to  the  ten  apostles,  Thomas  being  ab- 
sent.     "And  as  they  spake  these  things,  he  himself  stood 
in  the  midst  of  them,  and  saith  unto  them.  Peace  be  unto 
you."     He   then  made  the  evidence  of  his  resurrection 
more  complete  by  asking  them  to  handle  him,  and  by 
eating  before  them.     (Luke  xxiv,  36-43.) 
At  Jerusalem,        The  next  Sunday  evening,  just  one  week  later,  he  ap- 
ance.  peared  to  the  eleven  apostles,  Thomas  being  present,  who 
cried,  "  My  Lord  and  my  God,"  overwhelmed  by  the  proof 
of  Jesus'  identity.     (John  xx,  26-29.) 
At  the  Sea        The  seventh  appearance  was  to  seven  of  the  apostles 
Seventh  Ap-  ^^  ^^6  sca  of  Galilee.     It  was  at  this  time  that  Peter  was 
pearance.  reinstated  among  the  apostles  after  his  denial  of  his  Lord. 
(John  xxi,  1-24.) 
At  the  MouR-        The  eighth  appearance  was  probably  on  the  Mount  of 
lee.  Eighth  Beatitudes  in  Galilee,  and  in  the  presence  of  "above  five 
Appearance,  jmndrcd  brethren  at  once.'-^   (Matt,  xxviii,  7, 10, 16 ;  1  Cor. 
XV,  6.) 
At  Jerusalem,        Jesus  now  appeared  to  James,  his  brother,  we  suppose 
pearance.  ^t  Jerusalem.     A  mere  mention  of  this  appearance  is 
given  in  1  Cor.  xv,  7. 
At  the  Mount        j^gt  forty  days  after  the  resurrection  Jesus  appeared 
Tenth  Ap-  ^0  the  eleven  apostles,  and  delivered  to  them  his  parting 
pearance.  instructions,  and  led  them  out   "until  they  were  over 
against  Bethany,"  from  whence  he  ascended.    (Luke  xxiv, 
50,  51.) 
Appearance        The  manifestation  of  Christ  to  Paul  near  Damascus 
'  might  be  termed  the  eleventh  appearance  (1  Cor.  xv,  8)  j 


The  Forty   Days.  223 

but  as  it  occurred  after  the  ascension,  we  do  not  place  it 
in  the  present  list. 

Of  vast  importance  for  all  the  subsequent  history  of  The  Final 
the  Church  was  Christ's  final  commission  to  his  followers, 
as  given  in  Matt,  xxviii,  18-20.  Delivered  on  the  moun- 
tain in  Galilee,  where  his  ministry  had  opened  with  the 
Sermon  (see  Study  X),  and  in  the  presence  of  five  hun- 
dred disciples,  it  looked  to  the  ages  to  come  and  the 
regions  beyond,  and  has  been  the  foundation  of  the  entire 
evangelistic  and  missionary  record  of  Christianity. 

The  earthly  life  or  saving  manifestation  of  Jesus  The  As- 
Christ,  which  we  have  sought  reverently  to  study,  now 
comes  to  a  close  with  his  ascension  from  Mount  Olivet. 
Yet,  through  the  Holy  Spirit,  through  his  divine  pres- 
ence, through  his  union  with  all  who  compose  *'the 
church,  which  is  his  body"  (Eph.  i,  23),  he  is  ever  here 
to  win  men  and  reveal  himself  in  them.  Still  more,  he 
is  to  come  again  in  power  and  great  glory.  "Amen, 
come,  Lord  Jesus." 


It  is  important  to  remember  that  the  Gospel  rec- 
ords of  the  resurrection  -were  not  addressed  to  their 
first  readers  primarily  as  proofs  of  the  fact  of  resur- 
rection, but  rather  as  further  revelations  of  the 
nature  of  the  risen  Christ.  Those  for  whom  the 
Gospels  >vere  Tvritten  were  already  convinced  of 
the  fact.  This  explains  the  fragmentariness  of  the 
accounts. 


STUDY  XXXV.— Second  Day. 

Read  John  xx,  11-18;  Matt,  xxviii,  9-15;  Luke  xxiv, 
13-35.  In  this  third  passage  we  have  almost  our  last  read- 
ing from  Luke,  which  an  eminent  writer  has  described  as 
"the  most  beautiful  book  that  has  ever  been  written," 
and  cites  this  passage  as  one  which  is  fitted  to  confirm 


224        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

this  verdict.  Review  the  main  points  brought  out  in  the 
Studies  respecting  Luke's  Gospel.  (See  especially  Stud- 
ies I,  II,  VII,  XI,  XII,  XX,  XXIV,  XXXIV.) 

STUDY  XXXV.— Third  Day. 

Bead  John  xx,  19-31.  Note  particularly  that  v.  31 
states  the  purpose  for  which  John's  Gospel  was  written, 
and  review  its  distinctive  features.  (See  especially  Stud- 
ies I,  V,  VI,  XI,  XXV,  XXXIV.) 

Suggestions    for    Map   Work   and    References    for   the 
Harmony. 

Make  an  outline  map  and  draw  thereon  a  line  representing 
the  succession  of  Christ's  appearances ;  as,  from  the  tomb  to 
Emmaus,  Jerusalem,  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  the  Mount  of  Beati- 
tudes, Jerusalem,  the  Mount  of  Olives. 

Harmony. — Study  XXXV. — Appearances — Final  Commis- 
sion— Ascension.  Matt,  xxviii,  9-20;  Mark  xvi,  9-20;  Luke 
xxiv,  13-52;  John  xx,  11— xxi,  25;  Acts  i,  1-9;  1  Cor.  xv,  5-8. 

STUDY  XXXV.— Fourth  Day. 

Eead  John  xxi.  Having  reached  the  close  of  John's 
Gospel,  we  submit  a  full  list  of  chapter-names,  but  ask 
each  student  to  weigh  them,  and  adopt  others  when  such 
would  seem  more  accurate:  1.  First  Five  Disciples;  2. 
Wedding,  Temple ;  3.  New  Birth;  4.  Woman,  Nobleman ; 
5.  Bethesda;  6.  Bread;  7.  Water;  8.  Light;  9.  Sight; 
10.  Good  Shepherd;  11.  Lazarus  Liveth;  12.  Christ 
Lifted  Up;  13.  Christ  Teaching  Humility;  14.  Comfort; 
15.  Fruit;  16.  Holy  Spirit  Power;  17.  Intercessory 
Prayer;  18.  Christ  Arrested;  19.  Christ  Crucified;  20. 
Christ  Risen;  31.  Christ  as  Lord. 

General  References. 

Edersheim  II,  635-652;  Geikie  11,562-572;  Stalker,  147-152; 
Andrews,  590-639  ;  Farrar,  517-526 ;  Rhees,  sees.  206-229  ;  San- 
day  (Hast.  Bib.  Diet.)  II,  642,  643. 


The  Forty   Days.  225 

STUDY  XXXV.— Fifth  Day. 

Bead  Matt,  xxviii,  16-20;  Luke  xxiv,  44-53.  Con- 
cerning Matthew,  Farrar  says:  "Few  have  fully  realized 
the  antique  simplicity,  the  monumental  grandeur  with 
which  the  evangelist  has  carried  out  his  design,  the 
magnificent  unity  and  fine  construction  of  this  Gospel." 
Review  its  peculiarities  and  qualities.  (See  especially 
Studies  I,  II,  VII,  VIII,  IX,  XI,  XXXIV.) 

Topics  for  Personal  Investigation  and  for  Assignment 
in  Olass-work. 

1.  The  immeasurable  and  unfailing  love  of  Christ  for  all 
mankind.  Matt,  viii,  2,  3;  ix,  13;  Luke  vii,  47-50;  Matt,  ix, 
86-38  ;  Mark  viii,  2,  3 ;  Matt,  xi,  28-30 ;  Luke  ix,  41,  42 ;  x,  29-37  ; 
XV ;  Matt,  xxiii,  37;  Mark  xiv,  22-24;  John  xiii,  34;  xiv,  27; 
XV,  13 ;  Luke  xxiii,  34,  42,  43 ;  Acts  i,  8. 

2.  What  is  the  true  significance  of  Christian  baptism? 
Bib.  Diets.,  and  Commentaries  on  Matt,  xxviii,  19,  and  other 
Scriptures. 

3.  The  second  coming  of  Christ.  Commentaries  on  Matt, 
xxiv;  Mark  xii ;  compare  also  doctrines  of  John,  chapters  xiv- 
xvi,  and  xxi ;  Bib.  Diet.,  art.  "Parousia;"  Terry's  "Biblical 
Apocalyptics." 

STUDY  XXXV.— Sixth  Day. 

Read  Acts  i,  1-11.  Let  us  recognize  that  the  last 
service  of  Christ  before  his  ascension  was  to  lay  upon  the 
hearts  of  liis  disciples,  as  their  one  great  work,  a  mis- 
sionary purpose  that  means  the  evangelization  of  the 
entire  world,  Matt,  xxviii,  18-20;  Acts  i,  8;  and  that  the 
method  is  personal  witnessing,  evangelism,  and  ministry 
in  tlie  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Questions  for  Written  Answers. 

1.  "What  Gospel  especially  gives  the  deeds  of  Christ? 

2.  "What  Gospel  especially  records  the  discourses  of  Christ? 

3.  What  Gospel  reports  the  Perean  ministry  ? 

4.  What  Gospel  is  written  with  a  purpose  to  manifest  Jesus 
as  the  Son  of  God  ? 

15 


226        Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ. 

5.  What,  in  the  light  of  the  Gospels,  do  you  regard  as  the 
three  greatest  facts  about  Christ  ? 

6.  Name  three  of  the  most  important  discourses  of  Christ. 

7.  Express,  as  far  as  you  can,  the  nature  and  character  of 
Christ  in  five  descriptive  terms. 

STUDY  XXXV.— Seventh  Day. 

Memorize  Matt,  xxviii,  18-20. 

Dwell  in  the  life  of  our  Lord,  until  the  Life  shall 
dwell  in  you. 

Personal  Thought. 

"Lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the 
world." 

Am  I  conscious  of  the  presence  and  power  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  in  my  life  ?  Is  my  attitude  toward  the  great 
commission  of  Christ  such  as  justifies  me  in  claiming 
this  his  farewell  promise?  In  what  ways  do  I  seek  to  obey 
the  last  command  of  my  Lord  ?  Am  I  doing  everything 
within  my  power  to  extend  the  gospel  throughout  the 
world  ? 

Eead  Acts  i,  4-8;  Psalm  Ixxii,  8;  Eom.  xv,  18-20; 
1  Peter  ii,  9. 


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